San Francisco State University

United States of America

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University was founded in 1899. It is a public research university in San Francisco, California, USA. University is part of the 23-campus California State University System. The campus is spread across 141- acres of land, about two miles away from the Pacific Coast.

University History

In 1899 San Francisco State University was founded as San Francisco State Normal School. In 1921, the institution was named San Francisco State Teachers College. Grace- Hackett, a teacher, was the first American-African person to graduate from college in 1929. In 1972, the university received university status as California State University, San Francisco. In 1974, the university was renamed as San Francisco State University.

University Programs, Courses and Schools

San Francisco State University offers 7 colleges on campus. The campus offers wide learning opportunities and challenges to the students. The 7 colleges at San Francisco State University are;

• Business
• Education
• Ethnic Studies
• Extended Learning
• Health & Social Sciences
• Liberal & Creative Arts
• Science & Engineering

University Achievements/ USP

In 2020, San Francisco State University was ranked the 19th top university in the United States of America, by PayScale and College NET's Social Mobility Index university rankings. In 2015, the Philosophical Gourmet Report ranked San Francisco State University as one of the top eight universities. The university was one of the first California State University campuses to offer a doctorate of education. It is the only one university to offer a bachelor's degree in technical and professional writing. It is also the only university in the California State University system to provide a master's degree in Classics.

In 2011, San Francisco State University was ranked 18th among the top 20 undergraduate schools. The university's College of Extended Learning provides students the only American Bar Association-approved paralegal studies program in San Francisco.

In 2019, the Cinema Department, in the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, was listed as one of the world's best film schools by Variety. The university was also ranked as one of the nation's top 25 film schools by The Hollywood Reporter.

University Notable Alumni

San Francisco State University’s alumni has expert alumni from different backgrounds who are there to serve based on their common passion and responsibility towards the university. The extensive alumni network includes- 21 Pulitzer Prize winners, 16 Academy Award winners, 49 Emmy Award winners, 10 Grammy Award winners, 12 Tony Award laureates, 4 billionaires, and 1 astronaut. Some of the alumni members of San Francisco State University are-

• Stanley Mazor, co-inventor of the microprocessor
• Annette Bening, actress
• Yvonne Cagle, NASA astronaut
• Jonas Rivera, Producer, Pixar Animation Studios
• Willie Brown, 41st Mayor of San Francisco
• Cherríe Moraga, Faculty at UCSB in the Department of English
• Manny Mashouf, founder, Bebe Stores, Inc.
• Anne Rice, author
• Ron Dellums, 48th Mayor of Oakland
• George Miller, U.S. Congressman,1975-2015
• Johnny Mathis, singer
• Danny Glover, actor
• Jeffrey Tambor, actor

University infrastructure & services

Campus

San Francisco State University is the leading educator in San Francisco, California. There are specialists for every field. The university is the key industry leader and academic experts guide the creation of the University of California-approved curriculum. Each course provided is packed with practical information so that students can put it into practice in real-time. Everything is designed to provide identified, the in-demand job for students. Courses are built according to students which allow students to master desired skills in a short-time period. The campus provides flexible classrooms. University’s world-class academics, vibrant campus life and unique urban setup attract students from across the world. 

Libraries-

The library at San Francisco State University is an important part of the educational experience and an invaluable resource for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but also for the broad community. The library offers a wide range of books and other materials and services to support academic studies and enhance research work at San Francisco State University. The library has a vast collection of books, e-journals and e-books etc. University libraries are focused to provide high-quality library resources, programs, and services to the students. The library provides flexible and well-equipped surroundings for everyone's research and learning needs. The library supports the student learning experience, creation and administration of knowledge, and also contributes to advancements in teaching and research programs                                               

Housing services-

On-campus: San Francisco State University housing and Residence Life offers halls and suites where students from all over the country and the world live, learn and grow together. The San Francisco State University residences offer support and convenience, as well as opportunities for personal growth, cultural exploration, and interaction with all facilities and staff. The University’s housing is perfect for comfortable housing. The different options for residing on-campus are- Mary Park Hall, Mary Ward Hall, Manzanita Square, Towers at Centennial Square, University Park South and University Park North.  Students can select a room of their choice based on costs, facilities and availability. Through University’s affinity housing students can live in groups of like-minded students who share the same love for sports, literature, film and course. The various services offered in University’s residence halls are- 

• Fully furnished rooms
• Large lounges with kitchens
• All-inclusive utilities
• Free Wi-Fi and cable TV
• Free laundry facilities
• Residence Life staff support
• Programming created around a residential curriculum
• 24-hour security and on-call housing staff

Off-campus- San Francisco State University assists students in finding off-campus housing near University’s campus. They provide convenient housing to students, faculty and staff nearby university. The rental accommodation near the university includes Apartments, Suites and sharing rooms.

Medical services-

San Francisco State University provides medical services to students. The Health Services encourage students to live a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve their personal, academic and career goals. They also maintain an emergency response team which response immediately to any accidents or injuries involving any person on campus. Primary and urgent healthcare, health clearances, routine women’s healthcare, emergency response and wellness education are all part of the services provided. The staff consists of certified physicians and nurses who are dedicated towards their work and provide high-quality medical care to students.

Student’s clubs-

San Francisco State University offers more than 240 students’ clubs and organizations which provide a wide range of opportunities for students to engross themselves. The university offers everything students need to stay active on campus. Some of the clubs are-

• Afro- Latin Club
• Artificial Intelligence Club
• Badminton Club
• Black Film Club
• Comic Arts Club
• Volleyball Club
• Music Club
• Meditation Club
• Philosophy Club

University location

1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

Top Landmarks-

• Alcatraz Island.
• Golden Gate Bridge.
• Oracle Park.
• Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
• Golden Gate Park.
• Twin Peaks.
• Exploratorium.
• California Academy of Sciences.

International student’s info

Courses Offered-

San Francisco State University offers Undergraduate programs, Graduate programs and certificate programs. Some of the courses are-

• Accounting (Business Concentration)
• Africana Studies
• African Studies
• American Indian Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Apparel Design and Merchandising
• Applied Mathematics
• Art History
• Art History and Studio Art (Art Concentration)
• Development Concentration)
• Earth Sciences, BA
• Earth Sciences, BS
• Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (Biology Concentration)
• Economics
• Electrical Engineering
• English Education (English Concentration)
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies

Student Support-

 The International Student and Scholar Services office at San Francisco State University provides international educational exchange via its services. It serves as the primary administrative, programming, and advising office for the international community. The office provides various services like-

• immigration assistance and support to international students and exchange visitors through advising, programs, workshops and events.
• serve as a guide for academic and administrative units in the collaboration, hiring and sponsorship of international students and exchange visitors.
• provides ongoing orientation and support services in a welcoming environment designed to help students in cultural adjustment.

Visa and Immigration Support-

Only people who are enrolled full-time in classes or are obtaining a degree are considered to be students for visa purposes. Individuals will probably have one of two types of non-immigrant status:

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program has multiple categories in which foreign nationals may come to the United States to engage in research collaboration, instruction, and lecturing. The university offers three categories of Exchange Visitors: Professor, Research Scholar, and Short-Term Scholar.

• Professor: A foreign national whose primary purpose is teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited academic institutions, museums, libraries, or similar types of institutions. A professor also may conduct research where authorized by the sponsor. (Minimum: 3 weeks; Maximum: 5 Years)
• Research Scholar: A foreign national whose primary purpose is conducting research, observing, or consulting in connection with a research project at research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. A research scholar also may teach or lecture were authorized by the sponsor. (Minimum: 3 weeks; Maximum: 5 Years)
• Short-Term Scholar: A foreign national who is a professor, research scholar, or person with similar education or accomplishments who enters the United States for a short-term visit for the purpose of lecturing, observing, consulting, training, or demonstrating special skills at research institutions, museums, libraries, post-secondary accredited academic institutions, or similar types of institutions. (Minimum: N/A; Maximum: 6 Month)
• After you have been accepted to study at CSUMB, you will receive a Form I-20 document in your admission package with your official admission letter and can begin the student visa application process.

How to apply for your F-1 visa-

• Verify your information – Form I-20
• Passport must match your name and date of birth (DOB)
• Program dates match the length of the program you've selected
• Immediately contact CSUMB if any of your information is incorrect
• Complete the online visa application – Form DS-160
• Complete the online visa application
• Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must meet photograph requirements
• Schedule an interview - at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. embassy or consulate, but it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your permanent residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category. Apply for your visa as early as possible.
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview. The fee must be paid online.

Gather required documentation

• Passport
• Form I-20
• Non-immigrant visa application
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Attend your visa interview – be sure to take your required documents (and all documents your local U.S. consulate requires) to your visa interview.

Canadian citizens do NOT need to go to the U.S. consulate to obtain a visa to enter the U.S.

International Student Contact-

International Admissions 

Office- Student Support Services
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
Student Services Building, Suite 204
San Francisco, California 94132-4170

Phone No.- (415) 338-2312

E-mail-  [email protected] 

Student life

Student society-

San Francisco State University’s student organizations or clubs are one of the best ideas to get involved in the campus. Organizations are assembled under an arrangement of causes, identities, and interests. Student organizations at the San Francisco State University put on some of the most highly anticipated campus events and offer a wide range of opportunities for involvement and leadership every year. San Francisco State University has more than 240 student organizations, so there is something for each student. 

Sports and fitness-

San Francisco State University provides activities that promote healthy lifestyles and fitness for a huge population of students, faculty and staff. The university provides various sports activities and fitness rooms to keep students fit and healthy. The university offers; sports & wellness center, intramural sport, aquatics, club sports, bowling alley, fitness rooms, aerobics rooms etc.

Health & Wellbeing-

Health and Wellness at the San Francisco State University is to highlight the active process of change and growth that involves building resilience, persistence, and positivity in the phase of provocations. It is the initiative dedicated to help students incorporate in an overall well-being experience across campus. They allow students to actively indulge in well-being activities that provide support to a holistic lifestyle. Through this initiative, students will learn and understand resources and they will also learn how to help others in need. 

Residential Life-

On-campus housing at the San Francisco State University doesn’t provide on-campus accommodation. University assists students in finding nearby accommodation hassle-free.

Food & drink-

San Francisco State University provides a dining hall in the heart of campus.  Dining is open to students, faculty, and staff. Dining plan offers different dining options which include special dietary menus such as vegetarian and low-fat food. The plans are designed to fit the busy schedule of students, the plan assists all dietary preferences by providing a wide range of dining options and healthy food options. There are a number of cafes and restaurants available on-campus which provides a huge variety to students.

Short-term getaways, weekend getaways

There are many short-term getaways near the San Francisco State University to have fun like- 

• Alcatraz Island.
• Golden Gate Bridge.
• Oracle Park.
• Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
• Golden Gate Park.
• Twin Peaks.
• Exploratorium.
• California Academy of Sciences

and there are many other options also available to spend holidays and weekends.

Part-time jobs

The Career Center at San Francisco State University provides employment opportunities to students who want to earn money while studying to pay their expenses. The Office of Student Employment helps students find part-time work that not only builds their bank account, it is also on or near campus, and gives them a relevant and meaningful career experience that enhances their resume.

Student Safety

Crime Around the area-

San Francisco State University keeps safety a priority. The University's Police Department provides 24/7 assistance to deter crime, and to increase personal safety and building security. A security desk is located in the lobby of each residence hall, which assists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the safety and identification of those entering and leaving the campus buildings. Students can call an officer to escort them anywhere on campus 24/7. The University is committed towards providing a safe, secure living and learning environment for all students, faculty and staff.    

Famous courses

The famous courses at San Francisco State University are-

• Accounting (Business Concentration)
• Africana Studies
• African Studies
• American Indian Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Apparel Design and Merchandising
• Applied Mathematics
• Art History

Campus recruitment

Process-

The Placement Office at San Francisco State University has an award-winning placement team that is dedicated to supporting students throughout their placement search. The university hosts recruitment events to provide jobs to students.

Application Requirements

• Create a new account
• Completed Application Form
• Submit required support documents
• Academic Records
• Pay the application fee 
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendations
• Standardized Test Scores