Overview
This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, practice and confidence needed to prepare competitive graduate school applications and interview well. At the end of the course students will have a well-crafted statement of purpose, honed their skills at case study analysis and be able to clearly and concisely share their graduate school and career goals in an interview.

CE 9200: Graduate School Preparation
Offered in Spring
This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, practice and confidence needed to prepare competitive graduate school applications and interview well. At the end of the course students will have a well-crafted statement of purpose, honed their skills at case study analysis, and be able to clearly and concisely share their graduate school and career goals in an interview.
Benefits of Graduate School Preparation
- Research and identify the best graduate school for your career goals
- Communicate effectively with potential graduate schools
- Learn how to develop a competitive graduate school application
- Develop an effective personal statement
- Create a professional resume and cover letter
- Prepare and gain confidence in interviewing
Course Format
The online bichronous course is offered in a blended format: asynchronous and synchronous, plus individual coaching.
- Five learning modules, hosted in Canvas
1.5 hours each - Five weekly Zoom meetings
1.5 hours each - Individual coaching sessions on Zoom
to be arranged with instructor
Intended Audience
Students interested in applying for graduate schools in any discipline.
Cost and Length
Cost: $300
Length: Five weeks
When to Start: Spring

Sandra Arriaga, Faculty
Faculty
Sandra Arriaga
Sandra has more than a decade of experience working in higher education as a communication instructor, proposal developer, program manager and project manager. Her passion is helping individuals and teams create pathways to reaching their goals, and she has supported students in their graduate admissions journey since beginning her teaching career in 2010. Sandra previously worked at UC Berkeley and Hult International Business School, and currently works for Stanford University. She received a master's degree from SF State in English with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin.
Questions?
Please contact us at globaled@sfsu.edu.