What Academic Programs and Degree Types Does SFSU Offer?

Updated

San Francisco State University (SFSU) offers bachelor's and master's degrees through its academic programs, and it organizes its offerings into three main paths by program type: First-Year or Transfer Students, Graduate Students, and Online and Continuing Education. If you are looking for a specific credential level, start with the path that matches your status, then explore the subject area. SFSU is part of the California State University (CSU) system, which the university describes as the largest system of higher education in the country granting bachelor's and master's degrees.

Degree and study paths

SFSU's Academic Programs section groups options by the type of student you are:

  • First-Year or Transfer Students — the undergraduate entry path, leading toward bachelor's degrees.
  • Graduate Students — the path for master's-level study.
  • Online and Continuing Education — a separate route for online learning and continuing education, distinct from the on-campus undergraduate and graduate paths.

This structure means the degree type you can pursue depends on which path you qualify for. A first-year or transfer applicant is looking at bachelor's programs; a graduate applicant is looking at master's programs; and someone seeking flexible or non-degree study should look at the online and continuing education option.

Subject areas and fields of study

SFSU describes its graduates as leaders in science, business, public service, journalism, and the arts. The university also highlights strengths in specific areas:

  • Visual and Performing Arts — cited as a notable program area.
  • Liberal & Creative Arts — listed as a college area.
  • Athletics — SFSU competes in NCAA Division II and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), sponsoring 10 intercollegiate sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

The curriculum is described as culturally and socially enriching, with innovation fueling the course offerings. Beyond the classroom, SFSU points to experiential programs, study abroad and international opportunities, and research and centers as ways to gain real-world experience alongside a degree.

How to explore programs

The Academic Programs page lets you explore by program type rather than browsing a single flat list. The practical sequence is:

  1. Identify your student status (first-year, transfer, graduate, or online/continuing education).
  2. Open the matching program-type link.
  3. Review the subject areas within that path.

If you are unsure where you fit, the "Learn About SFSU" section covers campus life, academics, location, and student services, which can help you decide before drilling into a specific program.

What to keep in mind

  • SFSU grants bachelor's and master's degrees; the page evidence does not list doctoral degrees, so treat doctorate-level study as unconfirmed by this source.
  • The three program-type categories are the site's own organization, so use them as your primary navigation rather than searching by degree name alone.
  • Details such as admission requirements, deadlines, and specific majors within each path are not covered here — check the individual program pages for those.

For the most current list of programs and how to apply, go directly to the Academic Programs section on sfsu.edu and select the path that matches your situation.