College of Arts & Letters

About the school

The College of Arts and Letters (CAL) was established in 1969 at the San Diego State University (SDSU) campus in San Diego, USA. CAL was formed to explore the dynamics of human experiences such as personal identities, cultural and cross-cultural expressions and practices, and philosophical beliefs about human life and existence.

Today, CAL is engaged in an attempt to become a premier public research university and is welcoming minds that can contribute to its mission. The parent university boasts a robust alumni network of over 400,000 individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. This extensive network has facilitated the establishment of three distinct Alumni Scholarship Programmes, which have received contributions from more than 1000 SDSU alumni since 1996. These initiatives not only demonstrate the deep engagement and support of the alumni community but also provide valuable opportunities for current students to pursue their educational goals.

Students who live and study in San Diego can enjoy a unique blend of advantages, including incredible attractions, cultural diversity, high-quality education, culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and scenic beauty.

Where is the school located?

Life at College of Arts & Letters

The SDSU has an International Affairs team in place to help international students get settled on campus while exploring new cultures and pursuing their academic and career aspirations. The International Student Centre hosts an Open House each year to help new students get acquainted and form bonds.

The university's housing page lists the on-campus and off-campus housing options. On-campus accommodation includes traditional-style double, triple, and quad occupancy rooms. It also has suite-style housing options with double and triple occupancy. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments available as well. Off-campus housing is available for those who wish to rent outside property.

The Garden Restaurant at University Towers Kitchen serves all meals included in the meal plans. Campus eateries such as Aztec Market, BCB Cafe, Broken Yolk, etc. can be accessed for a quick meal.

The Aztec Recreation Centre has an answer to all fitness needs. There are buses or Green Line trolleys that one can use to travel to and from the campus. There is also a limited courtesy shuttle service available within the campus.

Additional benefits of studying at College of Arts & Letters

SDSU has over 70 active research centres and institutes that work in partnership with the state government, agencies, non-profits, corporations, and other universities. It has a global reach spanning 5 continents and 98 countries. Institutes such as Arts Alive, Centre for Asian and Pacific Studies, Institute for the Arts, Humanities and Social Justice are just some that students enrolled at CAL can take active part in.

The College of Arts and Letters is the largest college on SDSU campus. It runs 29 centres and institutes that collaborate globally, creating new opportunities for its students all year long. For the past 50 years, it has been striving to strike the right balance in academics and research, and anyone who chooses to enrol here will benefit from that expertise.

Admissions criteria

Admission requirements and fees vary for different courses. A general set of admission requirements is as follows:

Fill out the Cal State Apply online application A minimum US equivalent GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B grade or about 80%) or higher is required Transcripts/ academic records that include the list of the institutions attended, dates of attendance, and degrees earned. This must be evaluated by either IERF, WES (WES ICAP) or ECE Proof of English language proficiency with either of the following: TOEFL (at least 80 iBT/ 550 PBT) IELTS (overall score of 6.5 or higher) Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 105) PTE (minimum score of 58 or higher) Official transcripts indicating English as the principal language of instruction Programme specific documents and test scores as required

A tentative list of expenses an international student might incur:

Housing fees Meal plan charges

Please consult the school’s website for detailed information and any recent updates.

Job placements

The SDSU’s Career Guide Handbook gives beginners a complete career-readiness tool. The guide helps students brush up on their “soft skills”. Career Services at San Diego State University handles most of the career-related concerns:

It works closely with employers and community partners to create opportunities for its students and alumni to get top internships and employment opportunities It runs an online website called "Internship Central" which lists out available internships students can apply to It uses Handshake as the point of contact to register for internships, job interviews, career fairs, and more It sponsors networking with professionals through collaborations with student clubs and organisations, college councils, faculty, employers and SDSU Alumni It organises career fairs throughout the year It offers not only group workshops but also individual counselling. Appointments with a career counsellor can be made via the Handshake platform to understand the process of resume preparation, cover letter writing, scoring an internship, improving interview skills and professional etiquette, as well as getting tips for building your network