Application Instructions for Academic Certificate Programs

Priority Application Deadlines

Spring: November 1
Fall: May 15

*Late applications will be considered. Students will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Apply For the Following Certificate Programs:

Buiness Administration Expand

 

Step 1

Complete the Online Application

  • Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
  • Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
  • Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile. Be sure to choose “Certificate” for the “Degree Goal” in this section.
  • Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
  • To add the program application you wish to apply for:
    • Click on “Add Program”
    • Search for “San Francisco State University” under campus and “Extended Education” for source and choose the term you are planning to apply for.
    • If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • Complete the Required and Optional Questions
    • Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents for detailed information.
    • Submit the application
Step 2

Check Your Application Status

An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

Hospitality and Tourism Management Expand

 

Step 1

Complete the Online Application

  • Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
  • Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
  • Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile. Be sure to choose “Certificate” for the “Degree Goal” in this section.
  • Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
  • To add the program application you wish to apply for:
    • Click on “Add Program”
    • Search for “San Francisco State University” under campus and “Extended Education” for source and choose the term you are planning to apply for.
    • If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • Complete the Required and Optional Questions
    • Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents for detailed information.
    • Submit the application
Step 2

Check Your Application Status

An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

International Business Expand

 

Step 1

Complete the Online Application

  • Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
  • Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
  • Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile. Be sure to choose “Certificate” for the “Degree Goal” in this section.
  • Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
  • To add the program application you wish to apply for:
    • Click on “Add Program”
    • Search for “San Francisco State University” under campus and “Extended Education” for source and choose the term you are planning to apply for.
    • If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • Complete the Required and Optional Questions
    • Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents for detailed information.
    • Submit the application
Step 2

Check Your Application Status

An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

Liberal and Creative Arts Expand

 

Step 1

Complete the Online Application

  • Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
  • Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
  • Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile. Be sure to choose “Certificate” for the “Degree Goal” in this section.
  • Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
  • To add the program application you wish to apply for:
    • Click on “Add Program”
    • Search for “San Francisco State University” under campus and “Extended Education” for source and choose the term you are planning to apply for.
    • If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • Complete the Required and Optional Questions
    • Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents for detailed information.
    • Submit the application
Step 2

Check Your Application Status

An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

Paralegal Studies Expand

 

Step 1

Complete the Online Application

  • Review Cal State Apply Application TIPS
  • Go to Cal State Apply, select the term you wish to apply for, and hit the Apply button.
  • Create your Cal State Apply account and complete your Extended Profile. Be sure to choose “Certificate” for the “Degree Goal” in this section.
  • Complete the Personal Information, Academic History and Supporting Materials sections of the application.
  • To add the program application you wish to apply for:
    • Click on “Add Program”
    • Search for “San Francisco State University” under campus and “Extended Education” for source and choose the term you are planning to apply for.
    • If you have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Post-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, choose the application designated for “Pre-Bachelor Applicants.”
    • Complete the Required and Optional Questions
    • Upload your application documents. Review Application Documents for detailed information.
    • Submit the application
Step 2

Check Your Application Status

An admission decision will be sent to your email. Make sure to read all email messages from San Francisco State University. Refer to the Step-by-Step Checklist (PDF) to ensure all supporting materials have been received.

Application Documents

Transcripts Expand

Transcripts

All applicants must supply transcripts of their college work from all colleges attended. Unofficial (scanned copies/unsealed) transcripts are acceptable for evaluation purposes. Copies should be clear, legible, and include name of institution. Also include transcript key/legend (usually located on the back of the transcript).

Admitted applicants are required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree (if applicable) to CEL Center for Global Engagement in order to secure admission. Official academic documents are:

  • Transcript/grade reports in a sealed envelope issued by the school.
  • Attested copy of diploma/degree certificate or provisional degree certificate in a sealed envelope issued by the school.

English translation: if official transcript and diploma/degree certificates are not issued in English by the school, a certified literal word for word English translation that mirrors the original document needs to be submitted along with the official document in the original language. We accept English translations from the issuing university, an Embassy or Consulate or a certified translator.

Mail official transcripts to:
Center for Global Engagement
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue, HUM 101
San Francisco, CA 94132

International applicants can submit a Course-by-Course credential evaluation report in lieu of country specific academic documents from one of our approved organizations. If admitted, applicant must request the organization to send us an official copy of the credential evaluation report to the address above.

International Credential Evaluation Organizations approved by CEL CGE

World Education Services (WES)
Students should request/submit the WES ICAP report

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Students should request/submit course-by-course report

Foundation for International Services, Inc.
Students should request/submit course-by-course report

International Education Research Foundation
Students should request/submit a Detail Report (also known as course-by-course report)

English Language Proficiency Expand

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency by submitting adequate scores on one of the accepted tests, or a certification by appropriate academic personnel. Please review the English Proficiency Requirement page for details.

I-20 Documents Expand

I-20 Documents

Passport

Submit a copy of passport biographical page (or national ID card if you do not yet have a passport).

Financial Documents

To issue an I-20 international applicants are required to submit a bank letter or financial guarantee proving financial ability to study and live in the US. See Financial Affidavit instructions for details.

Other Documents

Other documents that may be needed for your application:

  • If you are attending another U.S. School on F-1 student visa, submit copy of your F-1 visa and I-20.
  • If you are a US permanent resident, please submit a copy of your green card. If you have an immigration status other than F-1, you may be asked to submit additional documents to verify your status.

 

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