Application Procedure

Applications open October 1, 2026.

Step 1: Submit your application through Cal State Apply to receive an SDSU ID (with which you can complete the subsequent steps) as soon as possible, and by no later than February 1, 2027. (An application fee applies with this step.)

Step 2: Submit official transcripts and test scores (if applicable) to Graduate Admissions by April 1, 2027.  For more information on how to submit these items, visit the Graduate Admissions page.

Step 3: Submit two letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, as well as a statement of purpose via the supplemental application on Slate by no later than April 1, 2027. 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 supplemental application for step 3. See the Slate Quick Start Guide for assistance.

The following are learning outcomes for the Advanced Certificate:

• Analyze patterns of language on multiple linguistic levels, from the sound to discourse structures. 
• Explain how language is represented and processed in the mind/brain and/or how it is used in society.
• Design language teaching materials appropriate for a specific population of language learners. 
• Discuss and contextualize language teaching materials (including those in textbooks) in light of theory and research on language pedagogy. 
• Teach and/or assume administrative positions in TESOL programs in any setting including K-12, adult education, community colleges, intensive English programs, and international programs such as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program and the English Language Fellow Program.

The Advanced Certificate requires 12 units--four 3-unit courses.

• Second language acquisition: Ling 652 
• Applied linguistics: Two courses chosen from Ling 650, Ling 653, Ling 655, Ling 657
• Elective: One chosen from
  • Ling 530 (English Grammar) (if not used for Basic Certificate)
  • Ling 795 (Seminar in Linguistics) (when offered with applied linguistics content)

The prerequisite for the Advanced Certificate is the Basic Certificate or its equivalent. A student’s entire program comprising Basic and Advanced Certificates must include at least one course from Linguistics 430 or 530. Under certain circum­stances, comparable courses taken at other institutions may count toward the certificate. Such courses must be evaluated and approved by the certificate advisor.

Does the program accept transfer students?
Transfer credit may, in special cases, be possible for an equivalent course taken elsewhere. All applications for transfer credit are evaluated individually by the Certificate Program. No academic credit for coursework is granted for work experience.

Does it matter in what order I take the Certificate courses?
No. However, normally Ling 795 (Seminar in Linguistics) is taken after several courses in linguistics have been completed.

Is there a time limit for completion of Certificate course work?
No.

How long does the Advanced Certificate program take?
Normally it will be possible to complete the Advanced Certificate program within two semesters. However, more time may be needed if you lack a necessary prerequisite for one or more Certificate courses.