Registration

San Diego State University students register online through the SDSU WebPortal. On campus and telephone registration are not available. The Class Schedule available at and contains specific information on registration, courses offered for the term, and a listing of the fees required for enrollment. Students will not be permitted to register until fees are paid. Payment of fees by itself does not constitute registration.

A student is considered registered when:

  1. Fees have been paid
  2. And at least one course has been added prior to the first day of classes.

Academic Advisors

Now is the time to check in with your advisor to review your degree audit, examine which courses may be best for you, check your academic plan, check for prerequisites and contingencies, and make sure all is ready to go.  

Student Affairs Advising is available M-F from 9-4:30 p.m. and our advisors are ready to help you with planning your Fall and Summer schedules. Visit our Academic Advising website today for more information and to schedule an appointment with your advisor or call us at 760-768-5502.

The registration system will check for the satisfactory completion of the following tests and requirements: EPT (English Placement Test); ELM (Entry-Level Mathematics Examination); GSP (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Test); and WPA (Writing Placement Assessment).
Enrollment in some courses is restricted to students in specific majors and students at specific levels (i.e., freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate). Major code and student level restrictions are listed in the Class Schedule footnotes.
The registration system will not allow registration in courses that meet at the same day and time or have overlapping meeting times. The registration system will also not allow enrollment in more than one section of the same course unless it is repeatable.
Students entering SDSU as freshmen are required to complete coursework in composition, mathematics, oral communication, and critical thinking in a specific order. These enrollment requirements are enforced by the registration system. For more information, refer to the Major Academic Plan (MAP) at http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap.

Late registration is allowed during the schedule adjustment period each semester. Students wishing to register late must pay registration fees plus a $25.00 late fee before 3:30 p.m. on the 10th class day of the semester. After receiving an add code from the instructor of the course the student wants to add, the student must access the SDSU WebPortal to officially register. The last day to add/ drop classes is 11:59 p.m. on the 10th day of the semester. Summer deadlines will vary by session. Consult the Class Schedule for specific dates.

The schedule adjustment period allows you to drop a course, add a course, withdraw from the university, and change the grading basis of a course. The schedule adjustment deadline is at 11:59 p.m. on the 10th day of the term. You are not allowed to make any schedule adjustments after this deadline and are responsible for knowing the current semester's date for this deadline, which can be found on the academic calendar and the Class Schedule registration notice. Summer deadlines will vary by session. Consult the Class Schedule for specific dates.

Students who do not attend the first class session of a course may be dropped from that course by the instructor within the first eight class days of the semester. Students who do not meet prerequisite requirements can also be dropped within the first eight class days of the semester. Any student dropped by the instructor during this period will be notified of the action by e-mail. It is the student's responsibility to keep a current e-mail address on file through the SDSU WebPortal at http://www.sdsu.edu/ portal. To reenroll, the student must receive an add code from the instructor and reenroll in the course by 11:59 p.m. on the 10th class day of the semester. Summer deadlines will vary by session. Consult the Class Schedule for specific dates. NOT ALL INSTRUCTORS WILL DROP STUDENTS WHO MISS THE FIRST CLASS SESSION OR FOR LACK OF PREREQUISITES. Students are responsible for all courses on their schedules. Students should check their online schedules regularly and take necessary action to add or drop during the schedule adjustment period.

Only undergraduate students who are completing their bachelor's degree and who have filed a formal request for permission to enroll for concurrent master's degree credit or for concurrent post-baccalaureate credit may be authorized to enroll in 600 and higher-numbered courses. Undergraduate students who have not received permission for concurrent enrollment may not enroll in 600 or higher-numbered courses for any purpose without prior permission of the graduate dean. Undergraduates who enroll in advanced courses without permission are subject to administrative disenrollment. The registration for graduate students who have not met the stated prerequisites for Course 799A, Thesis, at the time of registration may be canceled.

By the end of the second week of classes, students should notify the instructors of affected courses of planned absences for religious observances. Instructors shall reasonably accommodate students who notify them in advance of planned absences for religious observances.

STATEWIDE PLACEMENT TEST REQUIREMENTS

San Diego State University requires that each entering undergraduate, except those who qualify for an exemption, take the CSU Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) examination and the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) prior to enrollment. Admitted freshmen must take the ELM/EPT (if required) by the May test date prior to enrollment. These examinations are designed to identify entering students who may need additional support in acquiring college entry-level English and mathematics skills necessary to succeed in CSU baccalaureate-level courses. Undergraduate students who do not demonstrate college-level skills both in English and in mathematics will be placed in appropriate remedial programs and activities during the first term of their enrollment. Students placed in remedial programs in either English or mathematics must complete all remediation in their first year of enrollment. Students who do not successfully complete their remediation requirements within one year of their initial enrollment will be administratively disqualified.

Students register for the EPT and/or ELM through the Student Testing, Assessment and Research Office. Questions about test dates and registration materials may be addressed to the Prospective Student Center.

English Placement Test (EPT)

The English Placement Test (EPT) is designed to assess the level of reading and writing skills of students entering the California State University. The CSU EPT must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 147 or above on the EPT will be placed in college-level composition classes.

  • A score of "Exempt" or "Ready for college-level English courses" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken along with the English Language Arts California Standard Test in grade 11.
  • A score of "Conditionally ready for college-level English courses" or "Conditional" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11, provided successful completion of the Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC), AP English, IB English, or an English course approved for extra honors weight on the University of California "a-g" Doorways course list.
  • A score of 500 or above on the critical reading section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test.
  • A score of 22 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) English Test.
  • A score of 3 or above on either the Language and Composition or Composition and Literature examination of the College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement Program.
  • A score of 4-7 on the Higher Level English A1 International Baccalaureate examination.
  • Completion and transfer to CSU of the credits for a college course that satisfies the CSU General Education requirement in English Composition, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better.

Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Placement Examination

The Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Examination is designed to assess and measure the level of mathematics skills acquired through three years of rigorous college preparatory mathematics coursework (Algebra I and II, and Geometry) of students entering the California State University (CSU). The CSU ELM must be completed by all non-exempt entering undergraduates prior to enrollment in any course, including remedial courses. Students who score 50 or above on the ELM will be placed in college-level mathematics classes.

  • A score of "Exempt" or "Ready for college-level Mathematics courses" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), taken in grade 11 in conjunction with the CST in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II.
  • A score of "Conditionally Ready for College-Level Mathematics Courses" or "Conditional" on the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) taken in grade 11 along with the California Standards Test in Summative High School Mathematics or Algebra II, provided successful completion of a CSU-approved 12th grade math course that require Algebra II as a prerequisite.
  • A score of 550 or above on the mathematics section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test.
  • A score of 550 or above on a College Board SAT Subject Test in Mathematics (level 1 or level 2).
  • A score of 23 or above on the American College Testing (ACT) Mathematics Test.
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Calculus AB or Calculus BC examination.
  • A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement Statistics examination.
  • Completion and transfer to CSU of a college course that satisfies the requirement in Quantitative Reasoning, provided such a course was completed with a grade of C or better.

Determination of Residence for NonResident Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from those of other types of residency, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student should pay tuition on an in-state or out-of-state basis. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University (CSU) are California Education Code sections 68000-68085, 68120-68134, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900-41916. This material can be viewed on the Internet by accessing the CSU website at http://www.calstate.edu/ GC/resources.shtml.

The Office of Admissions is responsible for determining the residency status of all new and returning students based on the Application for Admission and the Residency Questionnaire. The Office of the Registrar determines residency status for currently enrolled students using the Reclassification Request Form, and, as necessary, other evidence furnished by the student. A student who fails to submit adequate information to establish eligibility for resident classification will be Classified as a nonresident.

Generally, establishing California residency for tuition purposes requires a combination of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely. An adult who, at least one full year prior to the residency determination date for the term in which enrollment is contemplated, can demonstrate both physical presence in the state combined with evidence of intent to remain in California indefinitely may establish California residency for tuition purposes. A minor normally derives residency from the parent(s) they reside with or most recently resided with.

Evidence demonstrating intent may vary from case to case but will include, and is not limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver's license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting an apartment where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.

Nonresident students seeking reclassification are required to complete a supplemental questionnaire that includes questions concerning their financial dependence on parents or others who do not meet university requirements for classification as residents for tuition purposes. Financial independence is required, along with physical presence and intent, to be eligible for reclassification.

Non-citizens establish residency in the same manner as citizens, unless precluded by the Immigration and Nationality Act from establishing domicile in the United States.

Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68085 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906-41906.6, and include, but are not limited to, members of the military and their dependents, certain credentialed employees of school districts and most students who have attended three years of high school in California and graduated or attained the equivalent. Whether an exception applies to a particular student cannot be determined before the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither campus nor Chancellor's Office staff may give advice on the application of these laws, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal adviser.

Residency determination dates are set each term.

  • Fall Semester: September 20
  • Spring Semester: January 25
  • Summer Semester: June 1

CalState TEACH operates on a trimester system. The residency determination dates for CalState TEACH are as follows:

  • Fall Semester September 20
  • Spring January 5
  • Summer June 1

Learn more information about registration deadlines.

Students classified as non-residents may appeal a final campus decision within 120 days of notification by the campus. A campus residency classification appeal must be in writing and submitted to:

The California State University
Office of General Counsel
401 Golden Shore, 4th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4210

The Office of General Counsel can either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the campus for further review. Students incorrectly Classified as residents or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition are subject to reclassification as nonresidents and payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student is also subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
Resident students who become nonresidents or who no longer meet the criteria for an exception must immediately notify the Office of the Registrar. Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

San Diego State University advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and recently issued official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. official transcripts are defined as transcripts that bear the high school or college seal and remain in their original sealed envelope. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents by specified deadlines will result in denial of admission, and may result in cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations). This requirement is effective from initial contact with the university and throughout the period the academic record is maintained.

Requirement and Use of Social Security Number

Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service requires the university to file information returns that include the student's social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.
Students and applicants are issued a nine-digit ID number (RedID) for transactions that include accessing the SDSU WebPortal, registering for classes, meal plans, using library services, using Blackboard, communicating with The Center for Human Resources, financial transactions, and all student services.

CSU Immunization Requirements

Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.

All new and readmitted students must provide proof of full immunization against measles and rubella prior to enrollment.

All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult Student Health Services at 619-594-5281 or visit Student Health Services.

Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a form indicating that they have received information about meningococcal disease and the availability of the vaccine to prevent contracting the disease and indicating whether or not the student has chosen to receive the vaccination. The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.