Admissions

Two-Stage Admissions Process 

All applicants for master’s, doctoral, second bachelor’s, credentials and certificate programs must apply to Cal State Apply. At SFSU, the University determines an applicant’s eligibility, and then the department or graduate program conducts its review of each applicant according to its developed criteria. 

University level 

SFSU determines admissions based on an applicant's eligibility for graduate study, evidenced by application materials submitted. Meeting University eligibility is not a guarantee of admission to any SFSU graduate program or certificate. The University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the University or any of its programs. 

Department or program level 

Each department or program selects applicants based upon the criteria they develop. Beyond the uniform minimum requirements for university admission, a program may choose any criteria that are appropriate as a basis for its evaluation, including, but not limited to, undergraduate and graduate grade-point averages, work experience, standardized test score results or department placement examinations, letters of recommendation and evidence of past achievements. 

Departments may also include factors related to their mission, goals, resources, and areas of faculty research, scholarship and creative activity in their selection process. 

The University graduate admissions process is conducted in compliance with its Nondiscrimination Policy. 

Admission Requirements

To qualify for graduate admission at SFSU, applicants must: 

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution 
• Be in good academic standing at their last institution 
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units or in the most recent degree earned 
• Meet department-specific requirements, which may include test scores, writing samples, portfolios or interviews 
• International applicants should review additional requirements.  

Admission may be granted in one of two categories: 

1. Classified: all requirements are met 
2. Conditionally Classified: admission granted pending completion of specified prerequisites 

Standardized Tests and Writing Assessment

SFSU does not require GRE or GMAT for general university admission, but some departments do. Check your program’s webpage for requirements. 

Applicants must also meet a Level I Writing Proficiency standard prior to admission or within their first year. Departments set their own evaluation methods, such as a writing sample or analytical writing exam. 

Application Filing Periods

*Joint UCSF-SFSU Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Multiple Subject Credential, PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Program, Graduate Certificate in PK-12 Climate Justice Education, and the Certificate in Pre-Health Professions conduct summer admissions.   

Admission Decisions

Applicants are formally notified of their admission or denial by the dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. Departmental letters are not official. Offers of admission are contingent upon final verification of degree completion and academic performance. If you are admitted but do not enroll in that term, your offer expires, and you must reapply for a future semester. 

Admissions Decision Appeals

Applicants denied admission to graduate program may request. Graduate admission appeals are intended for rare and exceptional circumstances and are not a routine opportunity for a second review of an application. Appeals must begin with the academic program to which the applicant applied. Appeals must be initiated within 15 business days of the date of the admission denial notification. Applicants may submit only one appeal per admission term.

Appeal Process

1. Submit a formal letter requesting reconsideration of the admission decision the Graduate Coordinator of your intended graduate program. You letter should include your full name, SFSU ID and your rationale for the request.
2. If the Graduate Coordinator supports your appeal, they will provide you a written memo of support.
3. Submit your appeal letter and memo of support to the Dean of Graduate Studies. 

Graduate students whose applications have been denied or withdrawn have the right to appeal as outlined in Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code. The Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies will review the complete appeal request and determine whether the admission decision should be reconsidered.

Readmissions

The Division of Graduate Studies invites you to reapply to your graduate program. You must use the Graduate Studies Express Readmission Form through AdobeSign. This process exempts you from the Cal State Apply application process and exempts you from the $70.00 fee. You must obtain support from your Graduate Coordinator and designate the coordinator as a signatory to the form.  

Graduate Studies Express Readmission 

Readmission Requirements 

Readmission to a graduate program is not guaranteed. Students must obtain the support of the Graduate Coordinator for the program of study. SFSU graduate students must reapply for admission to the University and the department/program if: 

1. they have been absent for three consecutive regular (spring/fall) semesters as a matriculated student; and/or 
2. they have attended another college in any interval of their absence. 

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

For previously matriculated SFSU 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  to determine whether courses taken will be allowed for use towards the degree.  

Extension of Seven-Year Limit