San Diego State University Reviews

  • 128 Reviews
  • San Diego (CA)
  • Annual Tuition: $20,054
94% of 128 students said this degree improved their career prospects
94% of 128 students said they would recommend this school to others
Start Your Online College Search:

Student & Graduate Reviews

Lisa M Rodriguez
  • Reviewed: 3/10/2018
  • Degree: Psychology
"While I felt I earned the academics and knowledge in the field of psychology I was not prepared to continue a career in the field. What good is having an outstanding academic performance without the knowledge of how to use it. The school does not help you determine what you could do with this degree, what the next steps are during and after undergrad to obtain a career, nor does it offer the work experience needed to be prepared for a career."
Nora Neztsosie
  • Reviewed: 2/24/2018
  • Degree: School Psychology
"San Diego State University prepares you well to make an impact at the school and community level as well as beyond with families and youth. San Diego State Universitys School Psychology Program, and being selected as a scholar on Native American Scholars and Collaborators Project (NASCP) helped me understand myself deeply. It enlightened me about engaging in my own decolonizing process, which is enhancing my effectiveness as a Din (Navajo) school psychologist. NASCP acknowledged and validated my rich cultural knowledge and strengthened my spirit and well-being as a Din woman, while continuing to cultivate my understanding of how to navigate both cultures. I understand now that my bicultural world view gives me an authentic voice. Talking about historical trauma is fundamental and reconnecting to cultural practices helps families and communities heal. The historical trauma of genocide, slavery, forced relocation, destruction of cultural practices, (and more) are shared by many Native communities, including my people and community. This resulted in endless emotional and psychological wounds that are carried across generations. The effects of historical trauma are threaded through intergenerational trauma today, resulting in domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, sexual abuse, and health disparities. Understanding the sources of trauma helps us design culturally appropriate interventions to support students to re-create a positive sense of self and community. These cultural protective factors help our Native youth reclaim their identities and promote social-emotional competence to thrive in all aspects of life. This links to successful school performance and resilience. Through this process, as I apply the NASP (National Association of School Psychology) Standards along with NASP Indigenous Framework in my school psychology practice, I feel well-equipped to work with Native youth and communities. As a Din school psychologist, I must be aware of cultures, traditions, and beliefs, beyond my own. In working with Native youth, relationship is key. Establishing a relationship and coming with intention, you begin to gain trust, and a genuine reciprocal relationship emerges, where listening and sharing of culture occur while implementing culturally responsive interventions, bridging student cultural assets into their academic learning. Key is understanding the impact of historical trauma and restoring harmony to Native youth and communities. We can only make changes though our children. My purpose in entering school psychology is to advocate for Native youth, uncover their potential, strengthen their protective factors and resilience, and make a lasting difference in their lives. As a Din school psychologist, I want to embark on this journey with stance of compassion, open-mindedness, and hope."
Jayton Harps
  • Reviewed: 2/23/2018
  • Degree: Computer Science
"If wanting to remember the best college experience, I highly encourage San Diego State University. They thrive on diversity, leadership, and people's capability to think differently in today's society. The classes are impactful and the teachings do not disappoint. The professors have real-world experience and programs to help guide future computer scientists. Also, there are financial aid for first time or low-incoming students. Highly recommend to attend this institution."
Adrian Maraziti
  • Reviewed: 11/16/2017
  • Degree: Economics
"SDSU is a solid school. I believe that SDSU is the epitome of "you get what you put into it." If you want to learn and push yourself, than you can do so. If you want to just ride the wave and just graduate you can surely do that. As for amenities some buildings are older with some broken roof squares, and others are brand new with comfortable chairs and nice A/C. The library is fairly large with great desk sizes so you can spread out appropriately. It gets extremely full during finals and midterms but other wise I studying there was a nice. The students on campus are very friendly and if you need help you can surely find it (this goes for professors, also). I obtained an Economics degree and I felt like the classes had great teachers but the curriculum was not as mathematical as I would have liked. Depending on what you like this can be good or bad. Lastly and for some most importantly, SDSU is a Pepsi school."
Alex Jonhson
  • Reviewed: 10/24/2017
  • Degree: Sports Management
"The Sports MBA program is nothing more than a sub-par MBA program with sports guest speakers. The administrator is a joke and he's running the program into the ground. You're given the alumni list once you graduate and it doesn't take long to realize that no one works in sports, therein the program doesn't work. The program also boasts a trip to the Dominican Republic, this trip is more so a vacation for the administrator to get drunk with the students then an actual learning experience (WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY). The administrator makes favorites and treats those people completely different then the rest of the cohort. If you get on his bad side don't expect any help with anything during or after the program. I'm not the only one from my class that felt like the administrator S.M. hated us, he made us feel unwelcome and worthless. I left the program wishing I had taken my time an money elsewhere and not paid Minto's salary."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Education
"SDSU offers many practical degrees. They have a strong student culture and social scene and are part of the SD community."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Public Health
"SDSU was a convenient place to obtain my degree by allowing me to work full time during the day."
Lauren Sherman
  • Reviewed: 6/29/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"San Diego State University is an opportunity for both academic and personal growth. I learned not only in the classroom, but outside as well. I became a peer advisor, joined the swim team, and met several life-long friends, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. The teachers want you to succeed! I was given ample resources and learned so much about Psychology and myself. I am very happy with my decision and I would recommend this school to anybody!"
Brandi SM Holmes
  • Reviewed: 6/25/2017
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"San Diego State University is an amazing university with lots to offer. I went for five years in order to complete a degree in Bachelors in Kinesiology and a minor in Cellular and Molecular Biology. My undergraduate advisor and teachers were always looking to help us advance in our particular careers, and willing to sit down and talk to you if you were having a problem. The campus is absolutely beautiful and has since made multiple upgrades to buildings and classrooms. On campus there is also a gym with a rock wall, and excursions for students. A pool, badminton courts, basketball courts, and lots more facilities. My friends and I often went to the advanced screening movie nights, concerts and the bowling alley that were on campus. It was truly a great experience and I've gained long lasting friendships with people from all across world."
Ruben Bustoz
  • Reviewed: 6/12/2017
  • Degree: Criminal Justice
"I come from a household where Spanish is the only spoken language and my family had no educational background. I had to overcome many obstacles to be the first member of my family to graduate from college. I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice at San Diego State University and currently obtaining my MA at The University of San Francisco. San Diego State helped me overcome many obstacles. The academic advisors on campus did a fantastic job of helping me out with my career goals. The financial aid department was very helpful throughout the process and was very reliable. The campus was great and the people I met along the way were absolutely amazing. San Diego State helped me become a first generation college graduate with goals of obtaining higher education. Thank you so much!"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Business
"I received a quality education from many professors who had valuable professional experience for a low cost."
Soon-to-be LCSW :)
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"San Diego State offers a multitude of opportunities to work and learn in the local community by way of internships and connections with community partners."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Chemistry
"My degree was research based and it was not very directed. Our PIs were not helpful and we all felt a little lost- some of the professors are amazing and if you are self motivated you will succeed"
Sarah Burke
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: History
"San Diego State is a beautiful campus with some energetic and interesting professors. The student atmosphere is collaborative and encouraging."
Ahab
  • Reviewed: 4/18/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"One of the best Social Work schools in So-Cal. Outstanding teachers that demand a high level of competence. SDSU MSW program has a good relationship with local non-profit organizations to foster internships and post-grad employment, You will leave ready to take the LCSW examination."
Darren Blair
  • Reviewed: 3/30/2017
  • Degree: Physical Therapy
"I was the first graduating class for the DPT program. They have worked hard to provide quality educators both clinically and academically. It is a well rounded program that provides students with the knowledge they need to become entry level Doctors of Physical Therapy immediately."
Radames Andrew Gil
  • Reviewed: 3/30/2017
  • Degree: Music
"The music department at San Diego State University will challenge any aspiring musician to grow and learn, regardless of skill level or experience. Rigorous music programs can often discourage young music students, but I feel that the faculty help foster a passion for the art that transcends the redundancy of practicing scales in a practice room. I appreciated the university's relationships with major arts organizations in town, giving students like myself the opportunity to learn about every aspect of music making such as education, fundraising, marketing, and performing as well. As an alumnus of SDSU's School of Music and Dance, I'm very proud to say that my career has gotten off to a great start. I now work on staff at the San Diego Opera and am helping grow the formal relationship with SDSU that helped me get to where I am today."
Nicky
  • Reviewed: 3/29/2017
  • Degree: Political Science
"The Political Science Masters Program at San Diego State University is a program aimed at training future scholars for a PhD. It is not meant as a terminal program. They are basically setting up a base in order for you to move on and build on that base. While it is very time consuming, due to the papers and readings, it is not very difficult. The social sciences in general are fairly easy and it is almost impossible to fail unless you dont do the work. SDSU overall lacks proper counseling services. You are kind of left on your own with regard to how to proceed in the program. The thesis can become very difficult if you do not stay on top of it. I had a lot of help form my thesis chair but I was very fortunate. I have not hear the same thing from other students. As with most university programs this one leans heavily left, however, my main issue is that it is pretty regressive left. It appears to support social justice type issues above anything else. Some of the class professors ignored data that did not support their social justice warrior agenda. Basically, this lack of diversity and objectivism can dramatically affect you if you ever pursue a PhD. But then again, this is the way certain academic fields are heading, especially the social sciences. Expect to get little objective thought, real debate out of fear of being labeled a racist or bigot, or data that does not support a social justice warrior causes. When it came to learning methodology and modeling the program did a good job. The professors teaching those classes were experts and did provide the most objective material. Ultimately, this is what you carry on to a PhD. The political commentary and opinion you will not need."
Marty
  • Reviewed: 3/27/2017
  • Degree: Mechanical Engineering
"Pros: 1. There's a farmer's market every Thursday that sells excellent food. 2. MTS trolley and buses provide access throughout the city. You don't need a car to get around San Diego as a student. 3. The teachers, especially in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, want the students to succeed. 4. Most facilities are within walking distance. 5. Tuition is low. 6. Most computers in the library have MATLAB. Cons 1. Scholarship availability is limited for graduate students. 2. Residency is difficult to obtain. Bottom Line: SDSU is underrated."
Lorraine Ramos
  • Reviewed: 3/26/2017
  • Degree: Spanish
"San Diego State University is located in a mobile urban center driving distance to mountains, deserts, beaches and international travel. The school has many undergraduate and graduate level programs and courses available as well as certificate programs."