Finals week has a way of sneaking up on you. At San Diego State University, every semester ends with a dedicated finals period, and one wrong assumption about your exam time can cost you a grade.
The SDSU final exam schedule is set by the Registrar, and no instructor can change it without going through the proper process.
Group Finals, online exams, and make-up slots all run on their own separate timetables. Knowing which category applies to your class makes a real difference.
Do not leave it to the last minute. Your grade will thank you.
SDSU’s Academic Year
San Diego State University runs on a semester system. Each semester is 16 weeks long: 15 weeks of instruction followed by one dedicated finals week. The university also offers a Summer Session with multiple shorter terms of 4 to 12 weeks.
Finals week is not an extension of regular classes. It is a separate, protected period set aside only for final examinations.
No instructor may hold a final exam before the officially scheduled time, and no exam can be moved to suit individual convenience without going through the proper process.
Knowing this structure matters because your final exam is not held during your last regular class. It takes place during the dedicated finals week, at a time assigned by the Office of the Registrar.
| Semester | Classes Begin | Last Day of Classes | Finals Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | 21 January 2026 | 6 May 2026 | 7–13 May 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Late August 2026 | 11 December 2026 | 12–18 December 2026 |
Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule
Spring 2026 finals run from Thursday, May 7, through Wednesday, May 13, 2026. That is 7 days.
Knowing exactly when prevents turning up late, under-prepared, or not at all. The tables below break down every class type and start time so students can pin down the exact exam date and time in one go.
MWF Classes
A class that meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday does not have a final exam on all three days. It is scheduled on one specific day during finals week, based on the regular class start time.
Match the start time in the table below to find the exact exam date.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 a.m. | Monday, 11 May | 6:00–8:00 a.m. |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. | Monday, 11 May | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Monday | 11:00 a.m. | Monday, 11 May | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 2:00 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 4:00 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 13 May | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 13 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:00 a.m. | Friday, 8 May | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. | Friday, 8 May | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 1:00 p.m. | Friday, 8 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 p.m. | Friday, 8 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
MW Classes
A Monday and Wednesday class follows a slightly different pattern from the MWF class. Some start times share an exam day with MWF classes; others do not. Check the specific start time in the table below.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2:00 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. | Wednesday, 13 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 13 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. | Friday, 8 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
TTh Classes
Tuesday and Thursday classes have their own separate exam grid. Check the table below carefully.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 a.m. / 7:30 a.m. (4-unit) | Tuesday, 12 May | 6:00–8:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m. (4-unit) | Tuesday, 12 May | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. | Tuesday, 12 May | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. (4-unit) / 2:00 p.m. | Tuesday, 12 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. / 4:45 p.m. | Tuesday, 12 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday, 12 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:30 a.m. / 10:00 a.m. (4-unit) | Thursday, 7 May | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. (4-unit) / 12:30 p.m. | Thursday, 7 May | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 3:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 3:45 p.m. | Thursday, 7 May | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 5:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. | Thursday, 7 May | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. | Thursday, 7 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
One-Day-a-Week Classes
A class that meets just once a week has its exam on that same day during finals week. The time slot depends on when the class normally starts. Find the day and start time in the table below.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Monday, 11 May | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Monday, 11 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Tuesday, 12 May | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Tuesday, 12 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 13 May | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Wednesday, 13 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Thursday, 7 May | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Thursday, 7 May | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
SDSU Fall 2026 Final Exam
Fall 2026 finals run from Saturday, December 12, through Friday, December 18, 2026. Unlike Spring, the Fall finals window opens on a Saturday. The first two days, December 12 and December 13, are reserved exclusively for Group Finals.
The tables below cover every class type, so there is no confusion about when to show up.
MWF Classes
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes do not all have exams on the same day.
Check the start time in the table below to confirm the correct exam date.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 a.m. | Monday, 14 December | 6:00–8:00 a.m. |
| Monday | 9:00 a.m. | Monday, 14 December | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Monday | 11:00 a.m. | Monday, 14 December | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 2:00 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 4:00 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 12:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:00 a.m. | Friday, 18 December | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Friday | 10:00 a.m. | Friday, 18 December | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 1:00 p.m. | Friday, 18 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 p.m. | Friday, 18 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
MW Classes
Monday and Wednesday classes follow their own timetable, separate from the MWF timetable.
The only way to confirm the correct slot is to match the exact start time in the table below.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2:00 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Monday | 6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 5:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. | Friday, 18 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
TTh Classes
Tuesday and Thursday classes sit exams on either Tuesday, December 15, or Thursday, December 17.
Read the table below closely and note the exact date before making any end-of-semester travel plans.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 a.m. / 7:30 a.m. (4-unit) | Tuesday, 15 December | 6:00–8:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:00 a.m. / 9:00 a.m. (4-unit) | Tuesday, 15 December | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. | Tuesday, 15 December | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:00 p.m. (4-unit) / 2:00 p.m. | Tuesday, 15 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 4:00 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. / 4:45 p.m. | Tuesday, 15 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 6:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday, 15 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9:30 a.m. / 10:00 a.m. (4-unit) | Thursday, 17 December | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Thursday | 12:00 p.m. (4-unit) / 12:30 p.m. | Thursday, 17 December | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 3:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 3:45 p.m. | Thursday, 17 December | 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 5:00 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. | Thursday, 17 December | 3:30–5:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. / 8:00 p.m. | Thursday, 17 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
One-Day-a-Week Classes
A class that meets only once a week still has a final exam during finals week, held on the same day the class normally meets.
Check the day and start time in the table below to confirm the correct exam slot.
| Day | Class Start Time | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Monday, 14 December | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Monday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Monday, 14 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Tuesday, 15 December | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Tuesday, 15 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Wednesday, 16 December | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Wednesday, 16 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 3:30 p.m. / 4:00 p.m. | Thursday, 17 December | 4:00–6:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:00 p.m. or later | Thursday, 17 December | 7:00–9:00 p.m. |
Note: If your class time is not listed in any of the tables above, check your course syllabus and contact your instructor directly for the confirmed exam date and time.
SDSU Group Finals
Certain high-enrollment courses skip the standard exam timetable and move to a single shared time slot called Group Finals. Here is a look at selected Group Finals from the official SDSU Spring and Fall 2026 schedules:
Spring 2026 Group Finals
Departments affected include Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Statistics, Accountancy, Biology, French, German, Italian, and Management Information Systems. Check every enrolled course against the list below before finalizing any plans for finals week.
Saturday, 9 May
| Course | Exam Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems 180 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 211 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. | In-person |
| Accountancy 332 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Chemistry 232 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Communication 103 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Online |
| French 100A, 100B | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| French 201 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| German 100A | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Italian 100A, 100B | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Online (fully online) / In-person (hybrid) |
| Computer Science 150 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 140 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 210 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Statistics 250 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Chemistry 432 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Computer Science 160 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Computer Science 480 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Statistics 119 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
Sunday, 10 May
| Course | Exam Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy 201 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 141 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Biology 204 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 150 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 151 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
Fall 2026 Group Finals
The Fall 2026 Group Finals schedule carries several updates, with new courses added and some Spring courses no longer listed. Check the table below to see which exams are scheduled for December 12 and December 13:
Saturday, 12 December
| Course | Exam Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems 180 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. | In-person |
| Chemistry 232 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| French 201 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| German 100A | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Online |
| Italian 100A, 100B | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | Online (fully online) / In-person (hybrid) |
| Computer Science 150 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| French 100A, 100B | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| French 210 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 140 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 210 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Chemistry 432 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Communication 103 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Online |
| Computer Science 160 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Statistics 250 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
Sunday, 13 December
| Course | Exam Time | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Accountancy 201 | 7:00–9:00 a.m. | In-person |
| Computer Engineering 160 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 141 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 211 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | In-person |
| Computer Science 480 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 150 | 12:00–2:00 p.m. | In-person |
| Environmental Engineering 355 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Mathematics 151 | 2:30–4:30 p.m. | In-person |
| Statistics 119 | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | In-person |
Important: Check this list before assuming your exam follows the standard timetable. If your course is listed here, your exam is on the weekend rather than during the regular finals week.
Online, Distance Education, and Make-Up Finals at SDSU
Some courses do not fit the standard exam timetable. This section covers three types of situations:
- Online sections that require an in-person final exam
- Sections that meet at a start time not listed in the standard schedule
- Make-up finals
These slots are not assigned automatically. They are requested in advance by departments. If you think this applies to your course, contact your instructor or department directly to confirm your exam date and time.
Spring 2026
Spring 2026 non-standard finals cover online, distance education, and make-up slots outside the regular timetable. The available dates and times are listed below:
| Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, 8 May | 6:00–8:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, 9 May | 5:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, 10 May | 5:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 13 May | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
Fall 2026
Fall 2026 non-standard finals follow the same three course situations across mid to late December. Check your assigned slot in the table below:
| Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday, 12 December | 5:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, 13 December | 5:00–7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 16 December | 8:00–10:00 a.m. |
| Friday, 18 December | 6:00–8:00 p.m. |
How to Access the Official SDSU Final Exam Calendar
The only reliable source for your final exam schedule is the SDSU Office of the Registrar, so avoid third-party websites, social media posts, or information shared by other students. Follow the steps below to find your official exam time:
- Step 1: Go to registrar.sdsu.edu
- Step 2: Click on Calendars in the top navigation menu.
- Step 3: Select Final Exam Calendars from the dropdown.
- Step 4: Choose your semester – Spring 2026 or Fall 2026.
- Step 5: Find your class type (MWF, MW, TTh, or One Day a Week) and match your regular class start time to the correct exam date and time.
If you need further help, the Registrar’s office offers two ways to get in touch.
In-Person: Student Services West 1551, San Diego Campus Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Virtual Front Desk: Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Reminder: All dates on the SDSU final exam schedule are subject to change. Bookmark registrar.sdsu.edu/calendars/finals and check it regularly as your finals week approaches.
Steps to Follow If You Miss an SDSU Final Exam
Missing a final examination is a serious matter. It does not resolve itself. You need to act quickly and follow the correct steps. Here is what you must do:
- Step 1: Contact your instructor immediately. Do not wait. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of finding a resolution.
- Step 2: Explain the situation clearly. Be honest and specific about why you were unable to sit the exam.
- Step 3: Ask about an incomplete grade. If you are eligible, your instructor may report an incomplete grade. This allows you to sit a deferred final examination within the permitted timeframe set by the university.
- Step 4: Follow university procedures for make-up arrangements. Any make-up arrangement must go through the proper process. Do not assume an informal agreement is sufficient.
According to the SDSU Office of the Registrar, no final examination may be given to individual students before the regularly scheduled time. The same seriousness applies when an exam is missed after the scheduled time.
Tools to Help You Prepare for SDSU Finals
Knowing the exam date is only half the job; showing up prepared is the other half. Here are tried-and-tested apps, websites, and SDSU-specific resources that have a strong track record of helping students perform better during finals week:
| Resource | Key Features | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Supplemental Instruction (SI) | Peer-led sessions, course-specific support, free access | Helps students review difficult course material. |
| SDSU Tutoring and Academic Support | One-to-one tutoring, group tutoring, multiple subjects | Offers subject-specific tutoring support |
| Anki | Spaced repetition, custom flashcards, progress tracking | Helps memorise key concepts. |
| Notion | Study planning, note organization, task tracking | Helps organize revision schedules. |
| Google Calendar | Exam reminders, study scheduling, deadline tracking | Helps manage exam and study dates |
Pairing an SDSU resource like Supplemental Instruction with a personal tool like Anki, for instance, covers both guided review and independent recall practice, two of the most effective ways to retain information before a high-stakes exam.
Revision Habits That Help Students Perform Better
Students who develop effective study habits before exam week often manage their workload better and feel more prepared throughout the SDSU final examination period.
- Create a Study Plan Around Exam Dates: Use your SDSU final exam schedule to organize revision sessions and give more attention to exams taking place first.
- Review Class Materials Regularly: Focus on lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and instructor study guides since these often reflect important exam topics.
- Practice Under Timed Conditions: Complete practice questions within a set time limit to improve pacing, answer organization, and confidence before exam day.
- Take Short Breaks During Revision: Brief breaks between study sessions can help maintain focus, reduce mental fatigue, and improve information retention.
- Prepare Exam Materials in Advance: Organize your student ID, approved supplies, and exam details the evening before to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Focus on Areas That Need Improvement: Spend extra time reviewing challenging topics while continuing to reinforce concepts you already understand well.
Students who follow these habits consistently are often better prepared to handle exam week and stay organized throughout the SDSU finals period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the SDSU Final Exam Schedule Apply to Imperial Valley Campus Students as Well?
No. Imperial Valley Campus students should check their own campus-specific schedule directly with their campus registrar.
Are Saturday and Sunday Exams only for Group Finals?
For standard classes, yes. Weekends during finals week are reserved exclusively for Group Finals and make-up slots.
What if Two Exams Are Scheduled at The Same Time?
Contact the Office of the Registrar immediately. Conflicting exam times are a known issue, and the university has a process to resolve them.
Do Online Courses Always Have Online Finals?
Not necessarily. Some online sections require in-person finals. Check the course syllabus or contact the instructor to confirm the format.
Final Thoughts
The SDSU final exam schedule has everything you need to stay ahead this semester. Your exam slot depends on how and when your class normally meets.
Group Finals and online sections run on their own separate timetables, so check your specific course before making any end-of-semester plans.
The official Registrar website is the only reliable source for your exam information. Save the page and check back as finals week gets closer.
A little prep right now goes a long way. Drop your questions in the comments below before finals week sneaks up on you.
