Our Programs
San Francisco State University’s History programs develop critical thinkers, strong communicators, and engaged citizens through the study of the past.
The undergraduate and graduate degrees offer flexible, customizable pathways across diverse regions, periods, and themes, supported by close faculty mentorship and opportunities for advanced study. Additional options—including an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program, a minor, and specialized certificates in historical research and history education—allow students to build valuable research, analytical, and teaching skills applicable to careers in education, public history, law, publishing, and beyond.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts in History
The study of history imparts skills that are applicable to all employment endeavors, as it fosters the intellectual rigor and curiosity that results in strong civic engagement. Studying history makes us better citizens, stronger writers, better critical thinkers and more attuned to the lived experiences of those around us.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters
The SFSU Accelerated Bachelors + Masters program is a special university program for highly motivated and exceptional students who wish to earn a B.A. and an M.A. in five years. In the Department of History, students will begin graduate-level courses in their fourth year when they will be fully integrated into the M.A. program, which prepares students for doctoral study in history or for a variety of careers, including in public history, teaching, publishing and law, among others.
Minor in History
The Minor in History provides an opportunity for students majoring in fields other than history to pursue a structured course of study in History and to have it reflected on their transcript through designation of history as a minor field of study.
Historical Research (Honors) Certificate
The 12-unit Undergraduate Historical Research (Honors) Certificate provides majors in any discipline with a way to improve their research skills. The Certificate will show up on transcripts as an independent course of study, and as such, is open to anyone earning an undergraduate degree at SF State. This is an excellent way to show employers that you are trained in critical thinking and research skills no matter what your major.
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in History
The graduate history program provides students with a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree organized around diverse regions, periods and themes. Students have opportunities to customize the curriculum to meet their particular academic and career goals. Our engaged and dedicated faculty provide individual attention and mentorship of our graduate students.
Certificate in History Education
The 15-unit Graduate Certificate in History Education is a program designed for current and aspiring secondary school teachers who wish to expand and deepen their historical knowledge and skills and to accrue salary steps in their respective salary schedules. In many districts, additional units will also increase your current and future earnings.