San Francisco State University

About SFSU

San Francisco State University (commonly referred to as San Francisco State, SF State and SFSU) is a public comprehensive university located in San Francisco, California, United States. As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers 118 different Bachelor's degrees, 94 Master's degrees, 5 Doctoral degrees including two Doctor of Education, aDoctor of Physical Therapy, a Ph.D in Education and Doctor of Physical Therapy Science, along with 26 teaching credentials among six academic colleges.

• College of Business

  Experienced faculty deliver a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare you with the proper skills to confidently resolve real-world business challenges. Become a full-time or part-time graduate business student and pursue your general MBA degree, a concentration in sustainable business, or choose an area of emphasis in one of the following fields: Decision Sciences/Operations Research, Ethics and Compliance, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Systems, Global Business and Innovation, Leadership, Marketing, Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Leadership, or Social Innovation.

• Graduate College of Education

  The Graduate College of Education prepares reflective, transformative educators, clinicians, leaders and scholars who advance the professions within education. Our graduates deliver education programs across the life span, demonstrating excellence in the art and science of teaching and learning, research on critical issues in education and communicative disorders, integration of new technologies and commitment to equity and social justice. Professional preparation programs are designed to meet global challenges, through authentic learning experiences in academic and clinical environments that are guided by our commitment to inclusiveness, integrity, community, social action and evidence-based practice.

  Our vision is to be the premier institution of higher education to prepare professionals who transform lives in schools and communities through our commitment to access, equity, quality and innovation in teaching, scholarship and service.

• College of Ethnic Studies

  The College of Ethnic Studies was established in Fall 1969 through the efforts of dedicated students, faculty, and community members. The four departments and one program - Asian American Studies, Africana Studies, Latina/Latino Studies, American Indian Studies and Race and Resistance Studies - offer over 175 courses each semester to meet the needs of 6000 students. Our curriculum assists students complete their general education; pursue a personal interest in ethnic studies; teach subjects in elementary, secondary, community and college level institutions; or critically inform their professional and vocational skills in areas such as business, social welfare, law, and medicine.

  The ethnic studies field is unique as an educational experience that redefines the lives of people of color from their own perspectives. This is implemented through the cooperative efforts of students, faculty, and members of the community invested in meaningful education who provide resources and curricula to the university and the community at-large.

  Our curriculum fosters both a comprehensive understanding of the unique experiences of American Indians, Asian Americans, Blacks, and Latina/Latinos in the United States and intersectional analysis amongst the different communities.

• College of Extended Learning

  The College of Extended Learning at San Francisco State University (SF State) offers a wide variety of continuing adult education courses and programs to prepare you for career advancement, career change, or personal growth. We offer nationally-acclaimed curricula and faculty; weekend, evening, and online courses; plus access to thousands of transferable degree-credit University classes.

• College of Health & Social Sciences

  At the College of Health & Social Sciences, students develop their ability to make a significant, meaningful impact on their communities and society. Through classroom learning and practical experience, they receive professional preparation in a variety of fields promoting health, well-being and quality of life.

  The College comprises a wide range of departments, programs, and schools with a shared commitment to equity and social justice. Students from our college can be found all over San Francisco—in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, governmental agencies, corporations, and other settings—translating knowledge into action to improve lives on multiple fronts. For example, our students work in health screening clinics making sure children and the elderly have access to flu shots; they work with the formerly incarcerated to help them re-enter society; and they put together makeshift workout centers in parks where families can exercise for free.

  Our alumni make up vast segments of the city’s workforce. A great many members of San Francisco’s law enforcement community have earned their professional degrees at San Francisco State, as have a large percentage of the city’s nurses and mental health counselors. The College’s impact also extends beyond the Bay Area to the state and national levels, where it has helped shaped policy.

  Faculty members at the College push the boundaries. Their research is rooted in a belief in the potential of scholarship to right a wrong. They engage in on-campus and community-based service that effects positive health, social change, intellectual growth and increased quality of life. In their teaching, they strive to cultivate environments committed to deep and meaningful learning experiences.

• College of Liberal & Creative Arts

  We are here to help you find and fulfill your passions throughout your SF State journey. Our faculty are invested in your success and will work closely with you in the most difficult times. The College of Liberal & Creative Arts’ Advising and Resource Center provides tutoring and training, study spaces, a computer lab and even office supplies. Our alumni will share their insights and successes and help you chart your own career paths.

• College of Science and Engineering

  San Francisco State's College of Science and Engineering encourages students to think beyond traditional barriers. We are committed to creating and maintaining connections with our students, professional scientists and engineers, and to the scientific community of the Bay Area. We believe the best education of our students comes through involvement in research and the solution of real-world problems. To carry out that objective, we recruit and retain outstanding scientists and engineers to our faculty, and offer them and their students the most advanced facilities and equipment possible. Our state-of-the-art facilities and research centers include: the Conservation Genetics Laboratory, the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, an electron microscope facility, computational chemistry and visualization laboratory, a DNA analysis facility, a Thin Film Laboratory, a molecular biology core facility, the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center, and a multi-GPU server with Nvidia Tesla and Titan GPUs.

History of SFSU

• 1899 – Founded as San Francisco State Normal School.
• 1901 – First graduating class
• 1906 – The 1906 earthquake and fire forces the school to relocate from Nob Hill to a new campus at Buchanan and Haight Streets.
• 1921 – Renamed San Francisco State Teachers College
• 1923 – First bachelor of arts degree awarded
• 1935 – Renamed San Francisco State College
• 1953 – Current campus near Lake Merced opens; it is formally dedicated in October, 1954.
• 1966 – Beginning of the era of campus protests led by student organizations including the Black Students Union, Third World Liberation Front, and Students for a Democratic Society. The protests against college policies and off-campus issues such as the Vietnam War included sit-ins, rallies, marches, teach-ins, and on several occasions violent conflicts with police. The protests were marked by counter-protests and widespread charges of corruption and election fraud in the student newspaper.
• 1968 – A lengthy student strike erupted that developed into an important event in the history of the U.S. in the late 1960s. The strike was led by the Black Student Union and the Third World Liberation Front, and it demanded an Ethnic Studies program as well as an end to the Vietnam War. This became a major news event for weeks in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. At one point, University president S.I. Hayakawa famously pulled the wires out of the speakers on top of a van at a student rally. During the course of the strike, large numbers of police drawn from many jurisdictions occupied the campus and over 700 people were arrested on various protest-related charges.
• 1969 – On March 20, an agreement was reached, and the strike officially comes to an end with the administration retaining control of hiring and admissions and the creation of the School (now College) of Ethnic Studies.
• 1972 – Received university status as California State University, San Francisco
• 1974 – Renamed San Francisco State University
• 1975 - Cesar Chavez Student Center opened its doors to students
• 1993 – Downtown campus opened
• 1999 – Celebrated 100th birthday
• 2007 – New Downtown Campus opened at 835 Market Street

Accreditation

SF State is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Rankings

• San Francisco State was ranked the 24th top college in the United States by Payscale and CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index college rankings.
• The university is currently ranked as the 50th best master's-granting university in the Western United States by U.S. News & World Report
• U.S. News & World Report also ranks San Francisco State University 1st in reputation among its "Western University peers" in 2000.
• Among Western Universities, of which there are 112, San Francisco State was ranked 10th in terms of campus diversity by USNWR.
• U.S. News & World Report ranks San Francisco State as 8th nationally in the number of transfer students.

Student life @SFSU

A lot happens on this bustling urban campus of 30,000 students. Between classes you can take part in one or more of SF State's many clubs, organizations, fraternities or sororities. San Francisco State is a student-centered university, providing many support services from child care todisability assistance. The University offers a full range of cultural andperforming arts events throughout the year, as well as athletic events, lectures and workshops. And once you're enrolled as a student on campus, be sure to check out SF State's career planning resources to help you get that great job after graduation.

Meals + Dining

The San Francisco State campus has many dining options to suit your mood and pocketbook. You can order a variety of sandwiches, enjoy a wide selection of ethnic cuisines -- Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and more -- or sip a cappuccino from one of the food vendors at the Cesar Chavez Student Center. Cafe Rosso, located in the plaza behind Burk Hall, serves fun and creative dishes with a Mediterranean flair. Taza Smoothies and Wraps is located under the bright yellow awning on the northeast corner of The Village at Centennial Square. Subway Sandwich is located in the central courtyard at The Village.

Arts + Culture

SF State sponsors hundreds of performances, concerts, exhibits, speakers and other campus events throughout the year. The University maintains an events calendar that showcases activities for the general public, future students, current students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Many attractions are free or low cost.

Athletics + Sports

Want to play or watch sports? You have your choice of intercollegiate competition, on-campus club sports, intramurals or casual recreation. On-campus athletic facilities include Cox Stadium, Main Gymnasium, Maloney Field, Stephenson Field and tennis courts. Also, the Village Fitness Center is a full service fitness facility located in the middle of campus residence halls and available at no cost to on-campus residents.

• Athletics
• Recreational Sports
• Villiage Fitness Center

Student Organizations

The hub of student life at SF State is the Cesar Chavez Student Center, but activities take place all over campus. Student organizations range from service and social fraternities and sororities to clubs based on majors and career interests to religious and political organizations to.

• Student Center
• Associated Students
• Clubs + Organizations
• Community Service Learning
• Alumni Association

Services of SFSU

Campus Safety

SF State enjoys the safety benefits associated with living in a residential area away from downtown San Francisco. University Police officers patrol the campus -- on foot, on bicycles, and in patrol cars. The Campus Alliance for a Risk-free Environment (C.A.R.E.) is a student-security team employed, trained, and supervised by your University Police Department. CARE Team members provide personal escorts to accompany students to and from class, to their car, or to their campus apartment. Escorts will even wait with students at their bus stop.

• Campus Police
• Emergency
• Clery Report/Safety Report

Career Planning

Preparing for a satisfying career is an important part of the student experience at the SF State. Staff in the Career Center can help you attain that goal in several ways: through internships, service learning opportunities, and learning the basics of resume writing and job hunting as you get closer to graduation.

• Career Center
• Cooperative Education Program
• Office of Community Service Learning

Child Care

The Associated Students Children's Center provides SF State students, faculty, and staff with a state-of-the-art and developmentally appropriate campus childcare program for children between the ages of six months and five years. Because of the center's popularity and small size, there is often a waiting list for admissions. For more information, call (415) 338-2403.

Computing/Technology

Computing labs are located throughout the campus. The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) offers free short courses and workshops throughout the year to teach students how to use computing systems, learn software, and create Web sites. Technical assistance is available through Information Technology Services Service Catalog. All SF State students receive a free e-mail/internet account.

Disability Services

Students with disabilities are encouraged to attend SF State. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) exists to give students full access to the classroom and to campus-related activities and provides a range of services so students with disabilities may achieve personal autonomy. Prospective students are encouraged to contact DPRC early in the admissions process to receive assistance and information about services.

Health Care

All students pay a Student Health Service fee each semester. For that fee, students receive primary health care for little or no cost at the Student Health Service on campus. Services include basic medical treatment and urgent care. For conditions that the Student Health Service cannot treat, students are urged to maintain an independent medical insurance policy if they are not covered under a family policy. All international students must carry their own medical insurance policy as a condition of admission.

• Student Health Services
• Counseling + Psychological Services
• Alcohol + Drug Issues