Programs
Find Your Path in Education
Whether you are exploring education for the first time or ready to advance your career, GCOE offers academic pathways designed to meet you where you are.
Explore academic pathways that prepare you to teach, lead, support learners, design learning experiences and create meaningful change. Each path connects practical preparation with faculty support, so you can build the skills, confidence and experience to move forward in schools, communities and education-focused careers.
Plan Your Path Forward
Embarking on a journey to become an educator opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you aspire to teach multiple subjects in elementary school, specialize in bilingual education, or support students with diverse needs, there’s a path for you. Explore the following teaching categories:
- Multiple Subject (Elementary)
- Spanish Bilingual with Multiple Subject (Elementary)
- Cantonese/Mandarin Bilingual with Multiple Subject (Elementary)
- Single Subject (Middle or High School)
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Early Childhood Special Education
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential – Visual Impairments
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential – Mild/Moderate Support Needs
- Education Specialist Instruction Credential – Extensive Support Needs
- Adapted Physical Education
Passionate about making a difference in students’ lives? Working in a K-12 setting offers a rewarding path where you can contribute to education and student well-being. Let’s explore some key roles:
- School Counseling
- School Psychology
- School Social Work
- M.A. in Instructional Technology
- M.A. in Special Education
- M.S. in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
Aspiring to be an educational leader means embracing a multifaceted role that combines passion, skills, and a commitment to positive change. Here are the key areas to explore:
Explore the fulfilling field of working with children and families in school or clinical settings. Here are key areas to consider:
Explore the fulfilling field of working with young children ages 0-5. Here are key areas to consider:
Explore the exciting field of higher education. Whether you aspire to shape academic policies, engage in research, or support student success, there’s a path for you.
Explore the exciting possibilities for advancing your career with existing credentials. Here are key areas to consider:
- Certificate in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Certificate in Autism Studies
- Inclusion Early Childhood Practices Graduate Certificate
- M.A. in Early Childhood Education
- M.A. in Equity and Social Justice
- M.S. in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
- M.A. in Instructional Technology
- M.A. in Special Education
- Orthopedic Impairment Added Authorization
- Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
GCOE Admission Deadlines
The Graduate College of Education (GCOE) at SFSU provides a variety of programs with specific application deadlines. This page outlines important dates for prospective students. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out directly to your department for assistance, they can provide detailed guidance tailored to your specific program.
February 15
- Single Subject Credential
- Single Subject Credential + M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
March 1
- M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
- Multiple Subject Credential Only
- Multiple Subject Credential + M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
March 15
- Integrated Teacher Preparation (ITEP)
- Single Subject Credential (Extended Deadline)
- Single Subject Credential + M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction (Extended Deadline)
April 1
- SPED M.A./M.A.+Credential/Credential
May 1
- M.A. in Early Childhood Education
- Secondary Education M.A. Programs
June 1
- M.A. in Equity and Social Justice Education
August 1
- Intern Program for Single Subject Credential
December 15
- M.S. in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
March 1
- Multiple Subject Credential Only
April 1
- PK-3 Early Childhood Education Credential
November 1
- M.A. in Equity and Social Justice Education
- M.A. in Special Education with Teaching Credential
November 15
- Single Subject Teaching Credential with M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction
- Single Subject Teaching Credential Only
December 1
- M.A. in Early Childhood Education
- Joint Doctorate in Special Education (Fall Admission Only)
January 6
- M.A. in Instructional Design and Technology
- Preliminary Administrative Services Credential + M.A.
Undergraduate Pathways
Undergraduate pathways help you explore education, build foundational knowledge and gain practical experience for your future career. These programs can prepare you for teaching, connect your interests to classroom practice and help you take the next step toward becoming an educator.
SF State Scholars
The SF State Scholars program gives undergraduate students an accelerated Bachelor's + Master's path to earn a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and credential while reducing time to completion. In Special Education, students can begin earning graduate credit during their junior or senior year through joint pathways with Child and Adolescent Development or Kinesiology.
For more information about the SF Scholars program please visit Graduate Studies SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's.
Credential Programs
Credential pathways help students prepare for meaningful careers in education and related service fields. Through flexible routes and specialized preparation, students can build the skills, experience and professional credentials needed to teach, support learners and lead in schools and communities.
Master's Degree, M.A. + Credential Programs
Explore master’s degree programs that help you deepen your expertise, build focused skills and prepare for your next step in education. Each pathway connects advanced study with real-world impact, faculty support and clear opportunities to grow as a leader, practitioner or researcher.
Curriculum & Instruction
M.A. + Credential Option
Secondary Teaching and Learning
This offering is M.A. + Credential only
Doctoral Programs
Our doctoral programs are designed for students who want to pursue advanced study, strengthen their research and leadership skills and make a broader impact in education. Each pathway offers a distinct focus while preparing candidates to address complex challenges, lead meaningful change and contribute to the future of the field.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Graduate certificates help you build specialized skills after your bachelor’s degree, whether you want a shorter stand-alone option or a focused addition to graduate study. These pathways are designed to help you strengthen your expertise, expand career options and apply new knowledge directly in your field.