Graduate Students

SFSU offers more than 90 master’s programs, an Ed.D. program, 14 credential programs, over 20 post-baccalaureate certificates and two joint doctoral programs with the University of California. Talk to a graduate coordinator — a faculty member in the department who oversees admissions for the program — in your intended program of study. Graduate division staff are also eager to help you through the application process.

View all programs Talk to a Graduate Coordinator

There are minimum requirements for admissions to graduate study in the California State University (CSU) system.

To meet the minimum eligibility standard for graduate study at SFSU, an applicant must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
• Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended
• Have a 3.0 GPA in their earned undergraduate degree or in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units completed, or have earned a post-baccalaureate degree
  • Note: F-1 and internationally educated students must meet the international admission criteria by country.
• Meet additional academic program requirements. Check with program website and/or program coordinator.

International applicants

Please review additional requirements and make sure you prepare any necessary documentation. 

Visit International Admissions

Review program-specific deadlines to ensure your application is considered for the correct admissions cycle. Carefully review programs of interest, admissions requirements and necessary materials so you’re prepared to present yourself as an exceptional candidate.

Graduate program deadlines

When you are ready to apply, make sure you have the following items:

• Copies of your unofficial transcripts with your degree information and GPA. Graduate admissions may request an official transcript during the application review process. If selected for admissions, candidates must submit official transcripts to secure a seat.
• Social security number, if you have one
• Citizen status
• Method of payment. You can pay the application fee by credit card.
• Annual income
• Statement of PurposeContact information for recommender(s)
• Application materials vary by program and may also require you to upload: CV/resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, writing sample, essay, test score reports, portfolio, program application forms or other materials.

There is a $70 application fee for every application submitted. The CSU doesn’t provide application waivers to graduate or international applicants.

Apply for graduate school Cal State Graduate Application Guide

The Financial Aid Process

A few days after you submit your application, Graduate Studies will send you an email confirming receipt of your Cal State Apply application and provide an SFSU ID number.

Your SF State login is your SF State ID nine-digit number at sfsu.edu (XXXXXXXXX@sfsu.edu). Follow the instructions to create an account.

Use your SFSU login and password to access your SF State Gateway. To check your application status, navigate to the Student Center “New Students” “Check Admission Status.”

Timeline for admission decisions vary by graduate program. If your application is considered incomplete after submission, the review will be significantly delayed. Be sure to submit a completed application with transcripts from every college or university and all required program materials.