Graduate Admissions and Graduate Studies

There are more than 3,000 students enrolled in one of San Francisco State University's master's, credential, second baccalaureate, certificate, and joint doctoral programs. Our students, many of whom are working full or part-time, are fully engaged in scholarly endeavors, including basic and applied research, creative projects, and community service. General information about graduate study and how to begin and complete a post-baccalaureate program can be found in the following pages of the Bulletin at Graduate Education, Graduate Studies website, or by contacting the Division of Graduate Studies. A handbook for graduate students, the GradGuide, is available on the Graduate Studies website.

For information about a specific program, the student should view the academic department website or contact the program graduate coordinator to obtain program-specific admission and degree requirements. Graduate coordinator contact information and department information can be accessed from the Graduate Studies website.

Faculty Teaching in Graduate Programs

Faculty members teaching in graduate programs hold doctoral or other terminal degrees in their field. These tenured and tenure-track faculty members serve as advisors on theses, dissertations, creative works, field projects, and graduate comprehensive examinations committees based on the faculty member’s expertise and area of research or scholarly work. In some cases, non-tenure track faculty members with exceptional backgrounds in specific areas of study may be assigned to teach graduate-level courses. You can review faculty backgrounds in our Bulletin faculty directory or by visiting each department's website.

CSU Graduate Admission

General Eligibility Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission to graduate study at the California State University are in accordance with Title 5, Division 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. The University has the right to require higher standards than the minimum requirements published in Title 5.

To meet the minimum eligibility standards for graduate study at San Francisco State, an applicant must:

hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the appropriate campus authority;
be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended;
have a 3.0 GPA or better in their earned undergraduate degree or the last 60-semester (90-quarter) units completed, or have earned a post-baccalaureate degree; and
meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

Graduate Admission Processes

Application for admission to a graduate degree, credential or certificate program requires the student to apply to the University through the California State University (CSU) common application, Cal State Apply and upload program-specific supporting materials. Retroactive admission and/or award of degree or certificate is prohibited for students who complete coursework in a program to which they have not been officially admitted. Applicants seeking prerequisites for entry to a graduate degree program should contact the Division of Graduate Studies. The Cal State Apply online application system does not allow applicants to apply to more than one San Francisco State graduate program per application term. If you are not selected for admission to your preferred program, contact Graduate Studies for an alternate program.

Applicants to a second baccalaureate degree program must use the graduate admission application through Cal State Apply. Second baccalaureate admission is restricted to select degree programs by the CSU Chancellor’s office. Applicants seeking admission to other second bachelor’s degree programs must obtain written support for admission from the Academic Department Chair of the intended program of study. Contact the Division of Graduate Studies for procedures and forms to be considered for admission.

University Right to Select Students

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs. The University, in its sole discretion, determines admissions based on an applicant’s suitability for graduate study, evidenced by application materials submitted and the department’s mission, goals, resources, and areas of faculty scholarship. Admission to graduate programs is selective and more people apply than can be accepted. Meeting minimum University or department requirements for admission does not ensure acceptance into a graduate program. The University graduate admissions process is conducted in compliance with its Nondiscrimination Policy (see the Regulations and Procedures section of this Bulletin for the complete policy).

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

The University and its programs have the right to verify all information and documents submitted in and with the application. Applicants must supply complete and accurate information on all application materials for admission, residency questionnaire or residency reclassification request, and financial aid forms. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Official Transcript Requirement

All applications are reviewed based on unofficial transcripts uploaded to the Cal State Apply online application. Applicants offered admission must provide the Division of Graduate Studies with one official transcript from each college or university attended, including community college and study abroad coursework. Separate transcripts from each college or university are required even though one transcript may show coursework taken at another institution. Transcripts for coursework completed at San Francisco State are not required. Official transcripts must be submitted in envelopes sealed by the issuing college or university. Copies of transcripts or opened official transcripts will not be accepted. Official transcripts sent electronically from authorized agencies, such as Script Safe, eScript, and etranscripts, must be sent to graddocs@sfsu.edu. Transcripts that have been submitted for admission or evaluation become the property of the University and are not returned or copied for distribution outside of the University.

Entrance Examination/Standardized Test Scores

The University does not require applicants to complete an entrance examination as a condition for graduate admission; however, many departments or programs do require that graduate degree applicants submit results of the general or area tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) prior to admission. Check the department website for test requirements. Applicants are responsible for having the required examination results forwarded directly to the University or department. San Francisco State’s GRE institution code is 4684. Our GMAT institution codes are F87HP99 for the M.B.A., and F87HP10 for the Master of Science in Accountancy programs.

Pre-admission Writing Assessment

The University requires that all applicants meet a pre-admission (Level I) writing standard prior to entering a graduate program. Departments or programs stipulate the pre-admission writing standards appropriate to their discipline. Departments may require a specific score range on the analytical writing section of the GRE or GMAT or faculty will assess graduate-level writing with a department/program administered writing exam or essay. Students who do not meet Level I writing standards, but meet other admissions requirements, may be admitted with specific conditions stipulated by the department. Conditions for meeting Level I writing standards should be met no later than the second consecutive semester after admission.

Program Application Materials

Letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, writing samples, and résumé materials required by the department or program must be submitted as part of your Cal State Apply online application. Check the department/program website for requirements.

All application materials submitted to the University, academic department, or graduate program become the property of the University and will not be returned. In selected cases in which an applicant has submitted a portfolio of original work for review by a program admission committee, the original works may be returned if the applicant makes the necessary arrangements with the department and provides a stamped, self-addressed envelope or package for return mailing.

Application Filing Periods

The Cal State Apply online application filing periods open on the dates listed below. All applications must be submitted by the academic department deadline. Applicants should consult the Graduate Studies website or contact the department/program directly for additional information.

Domestic and International Applications

Applications for fall are accepted beginning October 1 of the previous year.

Applications for spring are accepted beginning August 1 of the previous year. Not all programs accept spring applications. Consult the Graduate Studies website for information on spring admissions.

Applications for summer for select programs are accepted beginning February 1 of the same year.

Applicants from Institutions without Regional Accreditation

An applicant who is a graduate of an institution without regional accreditation, or from an institution whose degree is not considered equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from this University in terms of quality and/or content (e.g., specialized, professional, or certain international institutions), may not be admitted directly to graduate or credential status at San Francisco State. Applicants from non-accredited institutions should contact the Senior Associate Director of Graduate Admissions to determine alternative preparation for graduate study. Additional coursework at the undergraduate level may be required. Information about regionally accredited universities can be found at the Council for Higher Education website (www.chea.org). International students should review the International Student Admission Requirements section below.

San Francisco State Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Procedures

Students applying for admission to a graduate degree, credential, or certificate program must apply to the University via the online CAL STATE APPLY. Applicants seeking prerequisites for entry to a graduate degree program should contact the Division of Graduate Studies. SF State accepts applications for admission for the fall and spring semesters only.

Applicants to post-baccalaureate study must file an application and be accepted to each program to be eligible to earn a degree, certificate, or credential. Retroactive admission and award of degree or certificate is prohibited for students who complete coursework in a program to which they have not been admitted.

The following processes must be followed to be considered for admission to a graduate degree, credential, second baccalaureate, or certificate program at SF State, including degree programs offered through Special Sessions in the College of Professional & Global Education.

Application Procedures

Apply online via Cal State Apply, upload unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and additional program-specific required documents, and pay the required application fee.

Applicants who receive official admission notification must send official transcripts from each college or university attended to the Division of Graduate Studies to secure their admission. Applicants with multiple transcripts should remember that it may take the college or university issuing the transcripts several weeks to send the documents. To ensure more rapid processing, applicants should gather official University-sealed transcripts from each institution previously attended, place them together in the same large envelope, and submit them by mail or in-person to:

Graduate Admissions
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue (ADM 250)
San Francisco, CA 94132–4013

eTranscripts will be accepted from participating universities and should be sent to graddocs@sfsu.edu.

Applicants to a graduate degree, credential, second baccalaureate, or certificate program should apply early in the application period so that the Division of Graduate Studies can verify minimum University admission requirements and then forward this review to the department/programs by the department deadlines.

Applicants to either of the two joint doctoral programs should check the Graduate Studies website for links to the department for specific application deadlines and requirements.

Departments will stipulate how you must meet the pre-admission (Level I) writing assessment. Check the department website for expectations. Review the Pre-admission Writing Assessment section of this Bulletin for information.

International Applicant Admission Requirements

The California State University is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming institution of higher education that is enhanced by the students, faculty, staff, and alumni from our global community. San Francisco State has additional application requirements for international F-1 or J-1 visa holders or applicants who have earned degrees outside of the United States. International applicants applying to a graduate program may have earlier application deadlines than those listed for domestic students. Applicants holding or requiring F-1 or J-1 visas must also submit the Financial Affidavit Form and evidence of financial resources for study in the U.S. for the issuance of a San Francisco State I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. International students should access the Graduate Studies website for information on admission criteria, English language requirements, and I-20 issuance.

All international applicants requiring an F-1/J-1 visa must be formally admitted and enrolled in conditionally classified or classified status as matriculated students in a degree program offered through the University. International applicants will be given full consideration for admission based on the San Francisco State’s commitment to internationalizing the student body.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants educated outside of the United States must have earned a degree or diploma that San Francisco State considers to be the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official determination of eligibility will be made during the application process. Applicants graduating from international institutions with three-year degrees preceded by thirteen years of pre-collegiate work and “A-level” passes are admissible to San Francisco State graduate programs if they meet all other University and program requirements. Applicants who hold a Bologna degree comprised of 180 ECTS may be eligible for admission following a comprehensive evaluation of documents.

International applicants with twelve years of pre-collegiate education, a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a post-graduate diploma, or an honors bachelor’s may be admissible to graduate programs at SF State.

Required Educational Documents

All applications are reviewed based on unofficial academic documents uploaded to the Cal State Apply online application. Applicants educated outside of the U.S. who have been offered admission must submit official or university-attested and sealed copies of all original academic documents in the original language of issue. Copies must be certified by the appropriate issuing university official. Required documents include the complete official academic record showing all courses or subjects; dates of enrollment and grades/marks received; and official degree(s), diploma(s), or certificate(s) awarded. Official word-for-word English translations must be submitted in addition to the original language documents.

English Language Proficiency Requirement (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE)

All graduate, credential, second baccalaureate, and certificate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. According to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (Section 41040), to be admitted to a campus as a post-baccalaureate or graduate student, applicants whose native language is not English must receive a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 80 on the internet-based (iBT) test. Students who have taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative must obtain a 6.5 overall band score. Students taking the Pearson Test of English (PTE) must post a minimum score of 55. Accountancy, Business Administration, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) graduate programs have higher TOEFL score requirements. Applicants who have earned degrees outside of the U.S., even if they have completed coursework in English, should contact Graduate Studies to determine if they are required to take TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. TOEFL score reports should be sent to San Francisco State Division of Graduate Studies, Institution Code: 4683.

Applicants who do not meet San Francisco State TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE standards are encouraged to apply to the American Language Institute at SF State to prepare for full admission to SF State graduate programs. Contact the American Language Institute for information.

Admission Decisions

The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs. Review the University Right to Select Students section of this Bulletin.

Notice of Admission or Denial

After review of all application materials, department or program admission committees notify the San Francisco State Graduate Admissions office of their admission recommendations. Applicants are then formally notified of their admission status on receipt of the official San Francisco State Graduate Admission Notification Letter issued by the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. Letters of admission from the department or program received prior to the official San Francisco State Admission Notification Letter are not valid. Applicants who are denied by either the University or the academic department or program will receive notification of denial from the Division of Graduate Studies.

Admission Contingent on Award of Degree

If a student is admitted to the University before the final award of the baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree, an official transcript with degree award notation must be submitted before the end of the fourth week of the first semester of enrollment. Students who are admitted to a graduate program contingent on award of the undergraduate degree must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in all work completed before the degree is earned or admission status may be rescinded. Any student who does not submit documentation of completion of an undergraduate degree by the end of the fourth week is subject to one or more of the following actions: cancellation of admission and registration, automatic reclassification to undergraduate status, loss of all units taken for post-baccalaureate credit, and disciplinary action if appropriate.

Expiration of Admission Offer

Admission will be canceled if an applicant is accepted by SF State for a given semester and does not enroll in that semester. Applicants who let their admission offer expire must file a new CAL STATE APPLY application, pay a new application fee, and meet the requirements for admission in effect for the new term to which they are applying. Readmission to a future semester is not guaranteed. An offer of admission may also be withdrawn by the graduate program if the applicant has not indicated their intent to enroll by the program deadline or has failed to meet a condition of admission set by the program.

Admission Categories

Graduate Conditionally Classified

Most students are admitted to the University in conditionally classified standing. Admission conditions are determined by the program and must be met within the specified time frame set by the program. Programs admit students in this category to evaluate progress toward degree completion. This admission category does not impact Financial Aid eligibility. Students admitted in this category will be moved to classified status after submission and approval of the Advancement to Candidacy Form (ATC).

Graduate Classified

Most students advance to this status after submitting an approved Advancement to Candidacy Form (ATC).

Post-baccalaureate Classified

Students admitted to a credential or second baccalaureate program will be admitted as post-baccalaureate classified. Admission in this status does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, any graduate degree program. Contact the Credential and Graduate Services Center for further information on credential programs. Students seeking admission for administrative or special education credentials should contact the departments directly. Second baccalaureate students should consult with the Department Advisor to ensure prerequisite or a second bachelor’s degree coursework is completed according to the submitted plan.

Post-baccalaureate Unclassified

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree and are admitted to a graduate or undergraduate certificate program are admitted to this category. Certificate students should contact the department offering the certificate program for information about the application process. Not all certificate programs are Financial Aid eligible.

Transfer Credit from Other Institutions

Graduate courses taken at another university are not automatically transferable to a San Francisco State graduate program. At the discretion of the department faculty, with support of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a maximum of 9 semester units, including any combination of transfer units or coursework through the College of Professional & Global Education, may be used to meet the requirements of a 30 unit program, or proportionally more for a program requiring 45 or more units. Students requesting transfer of units should confer with the department chair or graduate coordinator and the Division of Graduate Studies after notification of admission.

Departments/programs have the authority to determine which transfer courses will be accepted for use on the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form. (Review the Advancement to Candidacy section of Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures in this Bulletin for more information). Courses accepted for transfer credit by the department must meet the following minimum University requirements, but higher requirements may be stipulated by the department:

The course content clearly meets the program’s curricular requirements stipulated in the SF State Bulletin.
The course was taken at a regionally accredited (or international equivalent) institution of higher education.
The course was not used to meet the requirements for an undergraduate or graduate degree awarded (excess units) at SF State or another institution.
The course was either an upper-division or a graduate-level course at the institution at which it was taken and must be acceptable to that institution’s advanced degree program. The student may be required to provide a letter from the institution’s Registrar’s office stating the course is acceptable for use toward an advance degree-granting program and was not used toward another degree.
The course(s), if taken through an extension program, must be accepted as a degree course at that university. Some extension courses are not acceptable. Check with the offering institution’s Registrar’s office and with Graduate Studies for transfer assessment.
The course was not taken any earlier than seven years from the date the student is planning to graduate. Transfer courses become invalid when they no longer meet the seven-year condition. Transfer courses exceeding the seven-year limit cannot be extended through petition.
The student earned an acceptable grade (C or better) in the course. A grade of C will be calculated into the student’s ATC GPA which cannot be lower than a 3.0. Most departments require a grade of B or better for transfer courses.
Quarter units will be converted to semester units.
Credits earned at recognized foreign universities may be transferable if course content, credit hours, and grades are determined equivalent to SF State coursework. An official academic record and certified translation must be on file in the Division of Graduate Studies.

It is the obligation of the student, the student’s advisor, and the graduate coordinator to determine that the proposed transfer course meets all of the conditions for eligibility for inclusion on the ATC form.

A student requesting to have a course taken at another institution included as part of their graduate program should do the following:

Obtain the approval of their graduate advisor and graduate coordinator on the Request for Graduate Program Transfer Unit Evaluation form.
If substituting for a required core course, a Waiver of Graduate Program Regulation form and a letter of support from the department will be required in addition to the Request for Graduate Program Transfer Unit Evaluation form.
Submit the official transcript from the transfer institution with the Request for Graduate Program Transfer Unit Evaluation form to the Division of Graduate Studies for signature by the Dean or designee.
If approved, the course may be included in the ATC. Departments may deny transfer courses.
Transcripts that have been submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies become the property of the University and are not returned or copied for distribution.

Credit by Examination

Credit by examination is seldom granted unless a student shows a high level of prior competence in the content area of the course being challenged and passes all course requirements through formal examination. An example of a student granted credit by examination is a highly skilled nurse who is able to pass the didactic and practical sections of a nursing course final examination.

To earn credit by examination, a student must obtain approval from the department chair and graduate coordinator. Grading options will be the same as that available for the course being challenged. The examination is to be comprehensive and includes whatever activity, test or demonstration is deemed appropriate for evaluating the skills, understanding, or knowledge required by the objectives of the course. Students must be regularly enrolled during the semester they earn credit by examination. Units earned via credit by examination are counted as part of the total units registered for a given semester and appropriate fees must be paid. Grades received as a result of the examination will be recorded on the student’s permanent record and appropriate grade points assigned.

Credits Taken Prior to Admission to a Graduate Program at San Francisco State

Credit through Open University, College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGL): No more than 6 units or 20 percent may be used as required units for the degree (proportionally more for larger unit degree programs) taken in CPaGL through Open University may be counted toward a graduate degree.
Credit for Graduate Courses Completed as an Undergraduate: Up to 9 units of upper-division or up to 12 units of graduate work (not to exceed a total of 12 units) completed as an undergraduate may be counted toward a graduate program ONLY if the work was taken before the bachelor’s degree was earned and not counted toward the undergraduate degree. See Graduate Courses Taken as an Undergraduate Student at SF State section below for more detail.
Credit from Certificate Programs during Post Baccalaureate Classified Status: When a student enrolls in a certificate program prior to admission to a related master’s program, no more than 12 units taken in certificate status may be applied to a certain master’s degree. Any double counting of units must be approved by the department and the Division of Graduate Studies. Not all programs permit double counting of degree and certificate units.
Credit Completed during Second Baccalaureate and Unclassified Graduate Status: The Chancellor’s Office has restricted access to these classifications due to budget issues. Admission to either status requires review by the dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. A specific plan of coursework must be approved by the dean of Graduate Studies. Students not following the plan of coursework will be administratively disqualified.
Credit Completed before Admission: Applicants to post-baccalaureate study must file an application and be accepted to each program to be eligible to earn a degree, certificate, or credential. Retroactive admission and/or award of degree or certificate is prohibited for students who complete coursework in a program to which they have not been admitted.

Graduate Courses Taken as an Undergraduate Student at San Francisco State

Courses taken prior to the award of the baccalaureate degree at SF State are considered undergraduate courses. However, students who have completed all courses toward the undergraduate degree and who have applied formally for admission to an SF State graduate program may request on the Application for Award of Baccalaureate degree that up to 12 units of upper-division undergraduate or graduate work taken before the award of the undergraduate degree be granted provisional post-baccalaureate status. Units to be applied toward a graduate degree may not be counted toward the undergraduate major or minor degree requirements. Only units with a B grade or above may be petitioned for use toward the graduate degree. The inclusion of units on an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) taken as an undergraduate must have the approval of the department/program admission committee or graduate coordinator and the Division of Graduate Studies. The number of upper-division undergraduate units must not exceed the total number of undergraduate units permitted on the ATC.

If the baccalaureate degree is not completed at the end of the term expected, the provisional post-baccalaureate status for specified courses may be voided.

If eligible units were not specified for graduate standing when applying for the award of the baccalaureate degree at SF State and the units were not used for the baccalaureate degree, students should submit a Petition for Waiver of Graduate Program Regulations to the Division of Graduate Studies.

San Francisco State Scholars Programs (FastTrack)

The San Francisco State Scholars program provides undergraduate students in selected programs with an accelerated pathway to a graduate degree. Students in this program pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. This program allows students to earn graduate credit while in their junior and/or senior year, reducing the number of semesters required for completion of a master’s degree. The SF State University Scholars program offers students additional career prospects, intellectual growth and the opportunity to deepen skills and research competencies.

San Francisco State Scholars Eligibility:

Undergraduate students interested in an accelerated pathway to a graduate degree through the San Francisco State Scholars Program must be sponsored by a Tenured/Tenure Track faculty advisor in the degree program.
Students must apply to the program before they complete 90-semester units toward their undergraduate degree and before enrolling in a senior capstone course in their major.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units.
Students must not be declared in another major or second baccalaureate.
Students must meet admission requirements for their intended graduate program.
Students must submit a San Francisco State Scholars Program application that includes a Planned Course of Study to the Division of Graduate Studies.
The dean of the Division of Graduate Studies will notify applicants of acceptance into the San Francisco State Scholars.

San Francisco State Scholars Academic Standing:

Students who enroll in the San Francisco State Scholars Program must:

Maintain both a semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.
Make continuous progress toward undergraduate and graduate degree objectives.

Students who do not meet these academic standards may be subject to disqualification from the San Francisco State Scholars.

San Francisco State Scholars Tuition Fees:

San Francisco State Scholars students will be charged undergraduate tuition and fees until they complete 120-semester units.
Upon completion of 120 units, students may continue to take upper-division undergraduate courses but will be charged graduate tuition and fees.
Students in a degree program that has been authorized to assess the higher graduate professional degree fees will only be charged these fees for courses required to meet the graduate degree program requirements.

Second Master’s Degree

Students seeking admission for concurrent enrollment in a second graduate degree must meet the following criteria:

be in good standing in their current master’s degree program,
must have completed at least 15 units of their current master’s degree program,
must formally apply and be admitted to the new master’s degree program and
may not use the same coursework nor complete the same culminating experience for both programs. Students studying for concurrent master's degrees may not use the same coursework, nor complete the same culminating experience, for both programs. For concurrent degrees with a common core, faculty of the programs must determine alternative core courses for the second degree.

Joint Study for Master’s Degree and Credential

Contact the Graduate College of Education, Credential and Graduate Services Center for information on current admission policies for entry into a credential program. Students intending to secure both a master’s degree and a California basic teaching credential may, in some programs, pursue these objectives concurrently, although some departments do not allow the same courses to be used for both objectives. Check with the department and Credential Office (Graduate College of Education) for the policy. If allowed by the department, no more than 12 units taken in credential status may be applied to a master’s degree.

Readmission

Readmission to a graduate program is not guaranteed. Students applying for readmission are reviewed with all other applicants during that application period and must reapply by stated program deadlines. Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) status is automatically voided after two consecutive regular semesters of absence have occurred and when no formal planned educational or serious health-related leave of absence has been granted. A leave of absence can only be taken prior to enrolling in the Culminating Experience. The Leave of Absence request form is found on the Graduate Studies website. Upon readmission, a new ATC that meets current curriculum requirements must be completed and filed. Review the Continuous Enrollment Requirements and Progress Toward Degree sections of this Bulletin for information.

San Francisco State graduate students must reapply for admission to the University and the department/program if:

they did not enroll in the first semester of admission;
they have been absent for two consecutive regular (spring/fall) semesters as a matriculated student; and/or
they have attended another college in any interval of their absence.

To be considered in attendance for any semester, the student must be enrolled in at least one class through the end of the twentieth day of instruction.

Readmission to a graduate degree, credential, or certificate program requires the student to apply to the University through Cal State Apply. Unofficial transcripts and required program supplemental materials must be uploaded to the online application. In order for previously matriculated SF State graduate students to be eligible for readmission, they must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in all coursework attempted in graduate status and, if applicable, all coursework attempted at other colleges during their absence. If more than seven years have passed since the first semester of admission, applicants for readmission must first submit a Petition for Extension of the Seven-Year Limit in order to determine whether courses taken will be allowed for use towards the degree. The dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and the department have the right to deny any previous coursework taken beyond the seven-year limit. If a student has attended any other educational institution following attendance as a matriculated student at San Francisco State, transcripts must be submitted for all academic work undertaken since the student last attended SF State. Students applying for readmission must have been in “good standing” at San Francisco State and must have been making continuous progress toward the degree before leaving their program. Students wishing to re-enter with a GPA lower than 3.0 must improve their GPA by taking courses through Open University before reapplying.

Courses Taken to Improve GPA

Courses taken to improve the GPA prior to admission to a graduate program or following academic disqualification should be selected to improve academic preparation for graduate coursework. Students may not enroll in non-degree related courses in Open University or lower-division courses to improve a deficient GPA. Coursework taken to improve the GPA will not be applied toward their graduate degree.