San Francisco State University

San Francisco, United States

Overview

Control Type: Public

Within the United States's higher-education landscape, San Francisco State University stands as a public university. It operates from San Francisco, United States as a higher-education provider.

Academically, San Francisco State University delivers teaching across multiple qualification levels. Its institutional structure includes its academic units and runs an extensive programme catalogue across multiple disciplines.

San Francisco State University's student body of 18,639 students engages with academic programmes across faculties. Academic staff support teaching and research activities, with institutional life situated in its campus environment.

Location & Contact

San Francisco State University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Academic Details

Academic statistics for San Francisco State University — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Total Students: 18,639

Programs Offered

Search and filter San Francisco State University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.

Bachelor's Degree

84 programmes

San Francisco State University delivers 84 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Natural Sciences Liberal Arts
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Health-Related Knowledge and Skills Health Sciences
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History

Master's Degree

70 programmes

San Francisco State University's 70 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Museology/Museum Studies Liberal Arts
Behavioral Sciences Liberal Arts
Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History

Doctorate

3 programmes

San Francisco State University's 3 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.

Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate

1 programme

San Francisco State University's 1 programme at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

58 programmes

This group collects San Francisco State University's 58 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
Legal Support Services Law
Legal Support Services Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing

How to apply to San Francisco State University

A short guide to applying to San Francisco State University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. San Francisco State University offers 216 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Each programme at San Francisco State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Apply directly via San Francisco State University's online portal at www.sfsu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco State University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about San Francisco State University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

What city is San Francisco State University in?

San Francisco State University operates from San Francisco, United States.

Is San Francisco State University public or private?

San Francisco State University is a public institution.

How big is San Francisco State University's student body?

San Francisco State University serves approximately 18,639 students.

What is San Francisco State University's official website?

San Francisco State University's official website is www.sfsu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for San Francisco State University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Geographic neighbours to San Francisco State University appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Programme-level scholarships for Education & Teaching students vary substantially across the United States institutions. Often the less-marketed scholarships are the easiest to secure for qualified applicants.

Universities Often Compared with San Francisco State University

Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for San Francisco State University if location flexibility matters.

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