Semester at SDSU

The American Language Institute at San Diego State University offers international students an opportunity to study at an American university for one or two semesters. Credits earned through the Semester at SDSU program will be listed on an official SDSU transcript and should be transferable to other universities. There are two programs to choose from - students can choose the Semester at SDSU General Courses program or the Semester at SDSU Business Courses program.

Semester at SDSU General Courses
Students can enroll in a variety of SDSU courses at undergraduate or graduate levels with American students. These courses range from biology to geography, linguistics to fine art and music just to name a few. Students wanting to take business courses in the College of Business Administration should enroll in the Semester at SDSU Business Courses program.

Semester at SDSU Business Courses
Students in this program can choose from a variety of business courses, such as accounting, business administration, finance, management, marketing and management information systems; and non-business courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. Business courses are taught by SDSU faculty to international students.

General Courses vs. Business Courses
Students who apply and are accepted to the Semester at SDSU General Courses program are NOT permitted to take any classes in the College of Business (ACCTG, BA, MGT, MKTG, FIN, MIS). Students in the General Courses program may take classes in all other departments. Students who apply and are accepted to the Semester at SDSU Business Courses program may take a combination of classes in the College of Business Administration and various other departments.

Program Highlights

• Variety of Classes
  SDSU offers more than 3,000 class sections each semester in more than 80 different academic fields. A number of these classes have additional spaces available after SDSU students have enrolled. Semester at SDSU allows international students to take advantage of these extra spaces. Business classes are taught by SDSU faculty and most business classes are taught for international students. In addition, business classes with American students may be available depending on space.


• 12 Undergraduate or 9 Graduate Units of SDSU Courses
  Through this program, students can enroll in 12 undergraduate or nine graduate units of SDSU courses. Credits earned are listed on a permanent SDSU transcript and may be transferable to other universities.


• Official Transcript
  Credits earned are listed on an official SDSU transcript and may be transferable to other universities.


• Campus Access
  Students can use SDSU's library, dining, sports, housing, and recreation facilities.


• Advising
  Academic, immigration, and housing advisors are available.

Classes at SDSU
Students have many options for classes at SDSU. For course descriptions, please visit sdsu.edu/catalog. For sample class schedules of the courses usually offered, go to sdsu.edu/schedule. Please be aware not all courses are offered every semester.

Please note that the ALI cannot guarantee participation in specific university courses. Students enroll in classes on a space-available basis.

Semester at SDSU Certificate Programs
Semester at SDSU students may also earn Semester at SDSU Certificates in:

• Business
• Business Engineering
• Entertainment Management
• Environmental Studies
• Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Management (HTM)
• Sustainable Tourism Management

Semester at SDSU Current Students
Visit the Semester at SDSU Blog for the most up-to-date Semester at SDSU information.