How to Apply

Semester Dates

Dates run from the first day of classes through the final exam period. Orientation takes place the week before classes begin.

• Fall 2026: Aug. 24 to Dec. 18
• Spring 2027: Jan. 25 to May 21

Certificate Application Periods

• Fall: Dec. 1 to May 15
• Spring: Aug. 1 to Nov. 15

Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

Annual Tuition, Fees and Cost of Living

Tuition and fees: $14,040
Living expenses: $25,100
Total estimated cost: $39,140

• Tuition and fees are based on full-time enrollment of 12 units each semester.
• Living expenses are estimated for one academic year, or two semesters. Actual costs may vary. Books, supplies and personal expenses are not included.

See the Academic Tuition and Fees page for a full breakdown.

• You must complete at least 56 units of University coursework with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• You must provide proof of English proficiency. Review the English Proficiency Requirement.
• You must complete a statistics course equivalent to DS/ECON 212 or MATH 124, and an information systems course equivalent to ISYS 263.
• To take economics courses in the certificate, you must also complete coursework equivalent to ECON 101 and ECON 102.
• If you are admitted conditionally, you must complete any missing coursework to meet prerequisite requirements.

Tuition and fees are finalized after the “Deadline for full refund” listed in the Calendar and Deadlines for each term. You must pay all tuition and fees by the deadline provided by the Center for Global Engagement.

If a third party will pay your fees, they must submit an Authorization to Bill letter to cgeadmin@sfsu.edu. The University will send invoices to the third party after the census date. Your student center will show all charges until payment is received.

To withdraw from a class or program, contact the Center for Global Engagement at globaled@sfsu.edu.