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SDSU Global Campus FAQs

Is SDSU Global Campus part of San Diego State University?

Yes. SDSU Global Campus is a rebranded version of the College of Extended Studies, with a greater emphasis placed on online courses, off-site programs, and other non-traditional modalities. We are still an academic college within San Diego State University. We will still hold on-site courses at San Diego State University’s campus, and our headquarters will continue to be located there as well. Any degrees, certificates, or credits earned through SDSU Global Campus will hold the same academic and professional weight as they previously did from the SDSU Global Campus, or any other San Diego State University college.

Why change the name to “SDSU Global Campus”?

We feel that our name best embodies our main goal, which is to extend the academic excellence of SDSU to all learners everywhere. We believe in an inclusive campus without boundaries, where all students can take part in SDSU’s programs no matter where they’re located. We exist in an increasingly global world, where technology has the potential to bring us all closer together in ways that weren’t previously possible. By leveraging these new technologies, we can expand SDSU to our neighborhood, the region, the nation, and the world, while still maintaining the academic experience of SDSU.

Does the new name mean that SDSU Global Campus is now internationally-focused?

While we do want to bring SDSU to the world, we also value our students who take courses on our San Diego campus. Those traditional students are still a large part of our focus as a college, and we will be offering the same on-site programs that the SDSU Global Campus did, with even more programming in the works. SDSU Global Campus does not mean that we are decreasing our interest in on-site learners; rather, we are expanding our vision to include all learners through new modalities, like off-site courses and online learning opportunities.

Why is SDSU Global Campus focusing on online learners?

An increasing number of adults are entering the workforce straight out of high school. Many of those adults have taken some college courses but never completed their degrees. Many have children and families, and many have obligations that make a traditional four-year degree difficult to earn. To accommodate those working adults and their busy schedules, SDSU Global Campus is placing a new emphasis on off-site and online learning opportunities with an emphasis on flexibility, accessibility, and practicality. We want to educate as many students as possible to help build stronger communities.

Where is SDSU Global Campus located?

We will still have the same offices as the SDSU Global Campus. We are located at 5250 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182.

How is SDSU Global Campus partnering with the main campus to offer online courses?

We have a seven-step process that every program goes through to ensure that SDSU Global Campus students are getting the same valuable academic experience as SDSU on-campus students. We work with the SDSU Academic Departments through the consultation and proposal process to assess whether the program is viable and has interest. Our program design team works in tandem with the academic departments to ensure that the academic experience translates across all modalities. Our marketing team works to attract potential students to the program, and once students begin enrolling, the momentum continues as the student services team manages inquiries about the program and assists with enrollment advising. Following the program launch, program management becomes an ongoing collaboration throughout the partnership as previous phases continue to ensure our students receive the highest quality of education and support.

What do online courses at SDSU Global Campus entail?

Online courses are a large part of SDSU Global Campus. Our instructional design team works directly with academic departments to offer online courses that are the same academic rigor as on-campus courses. We offer a mix of online certificate programs, degree completion and advanced degree programs, and individual professional development courses. Many of these online courses are self-paced, which means that students can complete lessons and coursework at a time that’s convenient for them. 

How much time should I plan to spend on online courses at Global Campus?

Courses in our credit-bearing programs (degrees, advanced certificates, etc.) usually require the following time commitments:

Students in an undergraduate-level 3-unit course should expect to spend 90-135 hours per course. 

  • 8-week term: Students should expect to spend ~11-17 hours per week
  • 6-week term: Students should expect to spend ~15-23 hours per week

Students in a graduate-level 3-unit course should expect to spend 135 -180 hours per course. 

  • 8-week term: Students should expect to spend ~ 17-23 hours per week
  • 6-week term: Students should expect to spend ~23-30 hours per week

Time commitments for our non-credit-bearing courses (professional certificates, etc.) vary; please see the individual course registration pages for more details.

How will I complete my courses?

SDSU Global Campus offers a blend of online, hybrid, and in-person courses. For our online courses, we offer a mix of live and recorded sessions depending on the program you’re taking. Read more about our modalities below:

Synchronous Virtual Instruction
Courses with this modality feature live (synchronous) instruction at the times and days listed in the Class Schedule. 

  • Students are expected to attend live course sessions. 
  • Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.

Mostly Synchronous Virtual Instruction
Courses with this modality feature more than 50% of the online coursework provided through direct faculty instruction and academic activities at the times and days listed in the Class Schedule, with additional time slots for office hours. 

  • Live/synchronous instruction times and days will be posted to allow students to plan their work schedule, avoid class time conflicts, and allow instructors to schedule time slots for exams and quizzes in advance. 
  • Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.
  • Students are expected to attend all live sessions.

Mostly Asynchronous Virtual Instruction
Courses in this modality feature instruction provided through a combination of recorded and limited direct instruction with academic activities, quizzes, etc., at the arranged times and dates described in the footnotes and syllabus unless otherwise noted. Content may be open for restricted periods.

  • Students may be expected to attend any live sessions necessary to complete the course.
  • Final exams or assignments will be listed in the course syllabus and may need to be completed at a set time and date.
  • Faculty and instructors are available for office hours and instructional support when needed.

Mostly Asynchronous courses may be preferable for students in different time zones as they provide the flexibility to work on your schedule at your own pace. However, these courses may require group activities and arranged meetings with faculty.

Partial or Fully In-Person Instruction (Hybrid)
These courses feature partially or fully in-person lessons with plans for faculty supervision, approved lab space, social distancing, and meeting COVID-19 safety requirements.

For more details on specific programs and courses, please visit the program page on our website.

Why are there extra fees associated with my for-credit program?

Certain academic programs at SDSU Global Campus contain extra fees in addition to the base tuition cost. These include Associated StudentsTechnology, and Student Engagement. The total cost of these fees is determined by the number of units you need to complete the program.

The costs associated with these fees allow SDSU Global Campus to offer a highly-immersive and engaging learning experience without the need to attend class on campus. You’ll have access to SDSU’s exceptional faculty and lecturers from wherever you’re learning. You can interact with your instructors one-on-one through guided discussions and virtual office hours, which can lead to more personalized feedback. You’ll also have access to unique multimedia content and other learning materials that are delivered much more effectively in an online space.

You’ll also have access to a dedicated support team of advisors and staff members who are passionate about helping you get the most out of SDSU Global Campus. Our programs allow you to participate in a wide range of campus-based groups, communities, and events from virtually anywhere – including student government, social clubs, academic societies, career services, and cultural centers. And should you ever choose to visit campus, you’ll have access to the library, the Aztec Recreation Center, and many more facilities at SDSU.

General FAQs

Do I have to be an SDSU student to take SDSU Global Campus courses?

Not necessarily. Many SDSU Global Campus courses are open to the general public, except for courses in our degree and advanced certificate programs, which require an application to SDSU via Cal State Apply. Most courses are also open to SDSU students.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, several programs may provide you with financial aid for SDSU Global Campus courses. Most of our bachelor’s degree completion programs, master’s programs, advanced certificates, and other for-credit academic programs qualify for the same types of financial aid as SDSU’s on-campus academic programs. Visit our Financial Aid page for a complete list of qualified SDSU Global Campus programs, as well as SDSU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information on applying for financial aid.

For several of our professional certificate programs, the New Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) makes money available to those who are unemployed or underemployed. Additionally, financial aid is available for military spouses in a wide range of subject areas. Finally, many banks offer private student loans that are directly applicable to continuing education and career advancement.

Please visit our Financial Aid page for more details.

How do I find out what courses you are offering, and how do I register?

It’s easy! All of our courses are listed on our website at neverstoplearning.net, and online registration makes it easy to register for the course(s) of your choice. You may also register via secure email. Contact our registration office at (619) 594-5152 for more information.

Do SDSU Global Campus courses count toward a degree?

SDSU Global Campus offers many different types of programs, so it depends on which program you’re participating in. Courses in our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as our advanced certificates, post-baccalaureate certificates, and other for-credit academic programs, all count towards a degree or certification from San Diego State University.

Courses in our Professional Certificate programs, as well as our Online Career Training programs and Personal Enrichment courses developed with Ed2Go, ThriveDX Bootcamps, and Osher courses, do not count towards a degree at San Diego State University. However, some do carry credit and may be accepted by some universities as applicable toward a degree.

If you are taking courses through Open University, you may apply up to 24 units toward an SDSU undergraduate degree, and up to nine units toward an SDSU graduate degree. In addition, credits earned through Winter Session are considered resident credit and count on your SDSU transcript.

How do I update my address or contact information?

You may either login and update the information yourself or contact our registration office at (619) 594-5152 for help.

What is the admission process?
SDSU Global Campus requires no formal admission procedures for most individual courses. If you’re interested in participating in a program that results in an academic degree from San Diego State University, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements specific to your desired program.

Is parking included in my course fee?

Beginning in fall 2021, parking is not included for any on-campus SDSU Global Campus course. Click here for instructions on how to purchase an SDSU Student Parking Permit through San Diego State University.

What is the cost to attend?

Course fees vary by program. Visit us online to get updated fees or call us at (619) 594-5152.

Do you offer online courses?

Yes! Many of the courses we offer are entirely online. Visit us at neverstoplearning.net for more information.

What is your absence policy?

Our absence policy is handled on a course-by-course and program basis. As such, the absence policy will depend on the specific instructor, the modality, and the nature of the content and learning objectives for each course. You should plan on attending as many sessions as possible in order to get the most out of your course. Please see the course syllabus for more information.

I’m not exactly sure which program is right for me. Can you help?

Yes, we will be glad to assist in your program selection. You can call us Monday–Friday from 8 am to 5 pm PST at (619) 594-5152, or you can email us anytime at globalcampus@sdsu.edu.

Open University Certificates FAQs

Do you have to be a matriculated student to take Open University Certificate programs?

No, you do not have to be a matriculated student at SDSU to enroll in Open University certificate programs.

What are my financial aid options?

SDSU Global Campus students are encouraged to check with various banks, credit unions, and lending institutions, many of which now offer private alternative loan programs for continuing education. For more information, please visit our financial aid page.

Are Open University courses for credit, and can they be applied toward a degree?

The credit earned for Open University classes is non-matriculated resident credit. Twenty-four units of non-matriculated resident credit may be applied toward an SDSU undergraduate degree.

How do I sign up?

To sign up for courses via Open University, check SDSU’s class schedule for the courses you want and to see which courses are open. You can register for courses online or via secure email. You can also use SDSU WaitList to request a seat in a closed class. You’ll be notified with payment instructions when you’ve been successfully enrolled in the class that was waitlisted.

If you’re interested in earning an Open University Certificate, please visit our Open University Certificates page and navigate to your program of interest to learn which courses you’ll need to take to earn your Open University Certificate. You can also contact your SDSU department academic advisor to determine your plan of study. All available certificate classes are published in the University’s class schedule by department. A $35 application processing fee will be charged. Please make checks payable to SDSU Foundation.

For more detailed registration instructions, please visit our Open University Registration page.

Are Open University Certificate programs available for international students?

International students who have satisfied the prerequisites may apply for admission to an Open University Certificate program. A TOEFL score of 550, or its equivalent, is required. However, Open University Certificate programs are not available to international students with an I-20 visa issued by another university. Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov) for more information.

What is the cost?

See current semester fees.

Where can I learn more about Open University?
Please visit neverstoplearning.net/openu to learn more about the program.

Professional Certificate Programs FAQs

How do I register?

You can register online using the registration links listed on your program page. You can also register by secure mail. Please visit our registration information page for more detailed instructions.

Do courses count for academic credit?

Some programs award transfer or professional development credit which may be accepted by other institutions. The units earned from these courses may be considered for continuing education. Programs with course numbers under 100 offer professional development credit. Courses numbered 100 and above offer academic credit.

What if my company is paying for the classes?

If your company is paying for the classes with a purchase order, please be sure the PO accompanies the registration. If paying by company check, please mail the check and registration to the SDSU Global Campus Cashier, San Diego State University, 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1919.

Are the courses graded?

Most programs with academic credit offer the option of a letter grade or CR/NC (Credit/No Credit). A scoring rubric is used for noncredit courses that may meet your organization’s tuition reimbursement policy.

How Do I Request My Certificate?

Upon completion of all required courses, you can request your Professional Certificate by filling out a Certificate Request Form. Please note that all certificates will be issued digitally.

Advanced Certificate FAQs

Do you have to be a matriculated student to sign up for courses in an Advanced Certificate program?

Yes. All students who are participating in a graduate-level Advanced Certificate program will need to apply to the University through Cal State Apply. This requires completing the application and submitting official transcripts that confirm that you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and satisfied all requirements for admission. Please visit your program page to learn more about admission requirements.

Are courses for credit?

Yes, all courses in our Advanced Certificate programs are for academic credit. Please visit your specific program page for more information on course offerings and total units.

What are my financial aid options?

SDSU Global Campus programs are designed to be accessible and highly flexible to fit your academic needs. San Diego State University offers many different options for financial aid. Please visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options.

How do I qualify for Financial Aid?

As an SDSU Global Campus student, you’ll have access to several options to help you pay for your program. During the fall and spring semesters, your enrollment needs to be at least half-time – meaning 6 units for undergraduates and 5 units for graduate-level students – for the entire length of a semester (15 weeks). This means that you’ll need to register for at least 1 course in both sessions.

During the summer term, your enrollment needs to be at least half-time – meaning 6 units for undergraduates and 5 units for graduate-level students – for at least 1 summer session. There is no length requirement to register for the entire summer session.

How Do I Request My Certificate?

As a graduate-level official SDSU certificate, you’ll need to make your request through the main campus department and Graduate Affairs. When you’ve completed all the required courses for your program and the grades have been posted for your final course, you can request and receive your SDSU Advanced Certificate by completing the following steps:

  1. Complete a Notification of Completion of Advanced Certificate Program form.
  2. Submit the form to the academic department for review. They will confirm that all requirements have been met.
  3. Your Advanced Certificate Program Director signs and dates the form and submits it to Graduate Affairs.
  4. Graduate Affairs processes the request and forwards the certificate to the department for Certificate Program Director’s signature and delivery to the student.

Once the process has been completed, the department will contact you to let you know that the certificate is ready for pick up or to confirm your mailing information if you requested delivery by mail.

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree FAQs

Do you have to be a matriculated student to sign up for courses in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program?

Yes. All students who are participating in one of our degree programs will need to apply to the University through Cal State Apply. This requires completing an application, submitting official transcripts, and satisfying any other requirements for admission. Please visit your program page to learn more about admission requirements.

Are courses for credit?

Yes, all courses in our degree programs are for academic credit. Please visit your specific program page for more information on course offerings and total units.

Why does my degree program cost more than the on-campus version?

The cost of your SDSU Global Campus program depends on how many units you need to complete to earn your degree. This flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model allows you to set your budget based on your unique academic schedule. Many of our programs are also eligible for Financial Aid, as well as Pell Grants and other funds awarded through the FAFSA application process. We also offer unique financial aid opportunities for military members, military spouses, and veterans.

In addition to financial flexibility, SDSU Global Campus programs also provide learning flexibility. With many of our programs, you can take more or fewer classes per semester, depending on your schedule and academic goals. You can set your schedule and study in a way that works for you, giving you the ability to find your ideal work/school/life balance. You can also save valuable time and resources by avoiding costs associated with living on or commuting to campus.

How long do I have to adjust my schedule?

Schedule Adjustment Deadline for degree completion programs is the 10th calendar day of class.

During this period, students are responsible for checking their schedules regularly and for taking necessary actions to  their schedule before the schedule adjustment deadline.

After the Schedule Adjustment Deadline, changes to your schedule, including withdrawal from one or more courses, are only permitted for extremely serious, fully-documented circumstances which were out of your control. An approved withdrawal requested prior to the census date will remove the course from your academic record.

An approved withdrawal requested after the university census date will result in a grade of “W” for the course(s) on your academic transcript. “W” grades are not factored into your grade point average, academic probation or disqualification procedures, or as a course attempt for course repeat policies. Requests for changes to your schedule after the schedule adjustment deadline are accepted through the last instructional day of the semester.

What are my financial aid options?

SDSU Global Campus programs are designed to be accessible and highly flexible to fit your academic needs. San Diego State University offers many different options for financial aid. Please visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options.

How do I qualify for Financial Aid?

As an SDSU Global Campus student, you’ll have access to several options to help you pay for your program. During the fall and spring semesters, your enrollment needs to be at least half-time – meaning 6 units for undergraduates and 5 units for graduate-level students – for the entire length of a semester (15 weeks). This means that you’ll need to register for at least 1 course in both sessions.

During the summer term, your enrollment needs to be at least half-time – meaning 6 units for undergraduates and 5 units for graduate-level students – for at least 1 summer session. There is no length requirement to register for the entire summer session.

How Do I Request My Degree?

Upon completion of all necessary academic requirements, SDSU’s Office of Evaluations will review your records. Once we have confirmed the completion of all requirements, your degree will be conferred and posted to your academic record. You’ll receive an email notification from the SDSU Office of Evaluations regarding the status of your degree. In most cases, once you have received an email that your degree has been conferred, your diploma will be ordered, processed by the diploma vendor, and mailed to the diploma address listed on my.SDSU.

The receipt of your diploma may differ depending on your mailing address. It may take up to 3 weeks to receive the diploma if the address is domestic or up to 3–4 months if the diploma address is international.