San Francisco State University

What is the history of San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University began in 1899 as the San Francisco State Normal School, established to prepare teachers. Its evolution into a broad public university helps explain why education remains part of an academic portfolio that now extends across the sciences, business, arts, and health professions.

The institution later became San Francisco State Teachers College and then San Francisco State College. It adopted the San Francisco State University name in the 1970s as part of its development within the California State University system.

A defining chapter was the 1968-69 student-led strike, which pressed for greater representation in the curriculum and contributed to the creation of the College of Ethnic Studies. That history remains relevant to applicants interested in how the university's academic offerings developed, not just its campus traditions.

What are the faculties and departments at San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State organizes its academic programs across the College of Ethnic Studies, Graduate College of Education, College of Health & Social Sciences, College of Liberal & Creative Arts, College of Science & Engineering, and Lam Family College of Business. It offers bachelor's and graduate degrees, credentials, and other programs; the College of Professional & Global Education also serves continuing and professional learners.

The range is broad. Students can explore subjects such as biology, computer science, engineering, cinema, journalism, psychology, nursing, social work, teacher preparation, and business. The College of Ethnic Studies is a distinct academic college rather than a single department within another school. Applicants should check the current catalog for the degree requirements of a particular major, especially where admission to the university does not by itself secure a place in a capacity-limited program.

Reported staffing includes 756 full-time and 666 part-time faculty members, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19 to 1. That ratio describes the institution overall; class size and access to required courses can differ substantially by department.

What is the location of San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State University's main campus is in southwestern San Francisco, California, near Lake Merced. Its location offers access to a major metropolitan area while making transportation and housing choices an important part of a student's budget.

Muni transit serves the campus, and students can connect to the wider Bay Area transit network. A commute may involve transfers or considerable travel time depending on where a student lives, so the distance from an apartment to campus is less useful than the actual trip at class times. San Francisco International Airport is the nearest major airport.

The university also offers some learning through locations or formats beyond the main campus. Applicants to a particular program should confirm where its required classes meet rather than assuming every course takes place at Lake Merced.

What is the mission and vision of San Francisco State University?

San Francisco State describes its purpose as providing accessible public higher education grounded in academic learning, research, creativity, and engagement with diverse communities. Its stated priorities include equity and social justice, themes reflected particularly in its history and academic organization.

These are institutional aims, not measures of what any individual student will experience. Prospective students can assess how a program puts them into practice by examining its curriculum, advising arrangements, research opportunities, and community partnerships. San Francisco State is a public, nonreligious university in the California State University system.