How to Apply: Ph.D. Program

Application Period Opens: October 1, 2025

Applications will be accepted only for Fall 2026 admission (no spring starts).

Deadlines

Ph.D. (JDP) deadlines:

  1. Complete Cal State Apply: December 1, 2025
  2. Submit transcripts & English proficiency (if applicable): December 8, 2025 (must be received by December 15)
  3. Complete the Program Online Application via Slate SDSU: December 10, 2025
  4. Complete UC San Diego component via Connect: December 10, 2025

 

Application Process

Complete the University Online Application via Cal State Apply 

  1. All applicants must fill out the application on Cal State Apply and pay the required fee.
  2. Within two weeks of submitting your Cal State Apply application, you will receive an email from San Diego State University that includes your SDSUid. Your SDSUid is an identifier to securely access many campus IT services, including my.SDSU, the official online portal for student admissions, student records, financial aid, tuition and fee payment, and more. Create your my.SDSU account promptly upon receipt of this email and use it to check on the status of your application and to see a to-do list for action items that may still be required to complete all application steps.
  3. Send Official Transcripts and (for international students) Proof of English Proficiency to Graduate Admissions within one week of completing Cal State Apply (step 1 above).
  4. Send official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to Graduate Admissions either electronically: Graduate Fall Steps to Apply or by mail: 
    Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225
  5. International applicants should review and complete the steps at SDSU Admissions, noting the requirements for proof of English language proficiency.
  6. The GRE is not required for applications to our graduate degree programs.
  7. Complete the SDSU Program Online Application via Slate. Within 72 hours of submitting your initial application to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with a personalized link to Slate to submit your SDSU program application.
  8. Complete the UC San Diego component of the application at https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply. Select “Chemistry (JDP)” as your Program of Interest. This step can be done concurrently with Step 3.
Your application will only be reviewed once both Slate and Cal State Apply are complete.

 

Required Materials in Slate

  • Statement of Purpose / Research Statement (1-2 pages, PDF).
  • Resume / CV.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Optional: publications, abstracts, or posters.
  • Recommender contact information.
  • Any supplemental departmental forms, if requested.

Admitted students must provide official transcripts per Graduate Division policy.

 

Letters of Recommendation

  • 3 required; a 4th optional. At least 1 should be from a research mentor (faculty or supervisor).
  • Letters must be on letterhead and signed (digital acceptable).
  • Recommenders should discuss intellectual ability, research skills, research outcomes or other indicators of success, professional qualities, motivation, and (if applicable) resilience.
  • Research mentors are encouraged to comment on contributions to publications/presentations, independence, ethical conduct, and areas for growth.

 

Statement of Purpose / Research Statement

Submit a 1-2 page (not more than 1,000 words) PDF addressing:

  1. Motivation — your interest in chemistry and graduate study.
  2. Research Experience — projects (goals, your role, techniques, outcomes, lessons learned).
  3. Research Interests & Fit — areas you wish to pursue, SDSU faculty of interest, and why.
  4. Professional Goals — near- and long-term objectives and how a Ph.D. from the SDSU/UC San Diego program will support you.
  5. Personal Qualities — optional discussion of challenges, resilience, teamwork, or mentoring.
  6. Conclusion — summarize your fit and enthusiasm for doctoral study at SDSU.
  • Use specific examples and quantify when possible.
  • Avoid generic statements.
  • Proofread and seek feedback before submission.

 

Financial Support

Most admitted Ph.D. students receive teaching or research assistantships. 

 

Contact & Questions

General inquiries: [email protected] or 619-594-5595
Doctoral Program Advisor: Byron Purse, Ph.D.