Aztec Speech and Debate

Mission Statement

“Dedicated to developing a community of courageous advocates, critical thinkers, and compassionate competitors.”

Since its founding in 1949, the SDSU Forensics Speech and Debate Team has provided a community where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to discover what they're truly capable of accomplishing. We believe speech and debate is about much more than winning tournaments. It's about developing confidence, learning to think critically, communicating effectively, and finding the courage to advocate for ideas that matter. Whether a student is competing in front of hundreds of people, interviewing for their dream job, leading an organization, or simply finding their voice in the classroom, the skills developed through forensics create opportunities that last a lifetime.

Over the past few years, our program has experienced incredible growth. As one of the fastest-growing collegiate speech and debate programs in the country, SDSU students are earning recognition at the regional, national, and international levels while building something even more meaningful—a community where students genuinely support one another. We celebrate championships and awards, but we're equally proud of the student who gives their first speech, earns their first medal, overcomes their fear of public speaking, or discovers a level of confidence they never knew they had. That's our "why." We believe every student has the potential to accomplish extraordinary things when they're surrounded by people who challenge them, encourage them, and believe in them.

As both a Registered Student Organization (RSO) and a program within the School of Communication, SDSU Forensics provides students with opportunities to compete at minimal to no cost, earn academic credit, qualify for scholarships, develop leadership experience, and travel throughout California, across the United States, and around the world representing San Diego State University.

So why should you consider joining?

If you enjoy public speaking, researching, writing, storytelling, or debate—you should join. If you're passionate about advocacy, leadership, or making a difference—you should join. If you want to become a more confident communicator, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and prepare yourself for success after graduation—you should join. Or maybe you're simply looking for an incredible group of friends who will support you, challenge you, and celebrate your successes—you should join.

Whether you've competed in speech and debate for years or have never stepped behind a podium before, there's a place for you on our team. We are proud of the momentum we've built, but we honestly believe we're just getting started. If you're ready to challenge yourself, travel, compete, and become part of something special, let us know below! A member of our Forensics Leadership Team will be in contact to answer any questions you have and help you become part of the SDSU Forensics family.