Certificate Programs
Boost your Resume with a Certificate Program
A certificate program is a coherent set of academic courses that does not lead to a degree but focuses on a substantial area of study that may be practically oriented toward skills and/or occupations. Such a program is designed to meet students’ specific needs, especially for those with limited time to learn specific subjects, concepts, skills and competencies. The award of a certificate means the holder has completed the required courses and related work at an acceptable level of academic accomplishment. The certificate indicates to a prospective employer that the University validates the program of study.
A student enrolled or eligible to enroll in the University must officially apply to their desired certificate program and complete any prescribed requirements for acceptance to that program. Such requirements and procedures may include a supplementary application, a defined set of prerequisite courses, a designated GPA, written recommendations, etc., as may be appropriate for the program.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Admission to Post-Baccalaureate Status
- Fall Application filing period begins: October 1.
- Spring Application filing period begins: August 1.
Admission to a certificate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a major in the appropriate field(s) of study, as well as a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) completed. If the major is not in a related field of study, the department offering the certificate may require the student to take additional courses prior to admission.
A student who is interested in pursuing a certificate program may apply to the University as a post-baccalaureate classified student. It is recommended that the student seek admission, if appropriate, to a degree program within the sponsoring department so that graduate units taken may be considered, where permitted, for later application towards a degree. No more than 12 units taken as an unclassified student may be applied toward the requirements for a graduate degree.
Graduate Studies strongly recommends you research admission criteria, the academic department or graduate program mission, faculty profiles including research interests, area of specialization and scholarship, and degree requirements prior to beginning your application. Conducting this research and understanding program deadlines before you prepare application materials will ensure that you are able to present yourself as an exceptional candidate for the program and faculty.
Non-matriculated students will need to apply through Cal State Apply by clicking on the apply button below.
Currently enrolled graduate students
A matriculated SF State graduate student applying to a graduate certificate program at San Francisco State University is expected to follow the University requirements and procedures outlined. Such requirements and procedures may include a supplementary application, a defined set of prerequisite courses, a designated GPA, written recommendations, etc., as may be appropriate for the program.
Basic University certificate program requirements: The University requirements listed in the bulletin are a minimum. The academic department offering the program may impose additional or higher requirements for specific certificate program(s).
Advising and Registration: Advising assistance will be provided by the program faculty responsible for offering the program. Registration for required courses will be accomplished by means of the normal registration process of the University or through Extended Learning registration procedures for Extended Learning certificate programs.
Matriculated Student Application
Applying for Award of the Certificate
The Division of Graduate Studies is responsible for evaluating the materials received and authorizing the issuance of graduate certificates on behalf of the University and the appropriate department or program area.
When all the requirements for either a graduate certificate program have been completed, students must take the following steps for the award of the certificate.
Certificate Approved Program (CAP) form: Prepare and submit to the certificate advisor (and/or chair) for an approval signature upon completion of certificate requirements. If your program form is not listed, please use Certificate Approved Program-Generic
- Pay the CAP application fee: Students must pay $7.00 for the award of the certificate upon CAP form submission online via the Student Center.
- Students who have been awarded a certificate can expect to receive a physical certificate by mail and can request an official transcript as additional confirmation of award of the certificate. Certificates will be mailed to the mailing address on your Student Center.