Course Overview
Courses numbered 300 and above are not open to freshmen. Upon enrolling in journalism classes, students will be required to use their SF State email accounts. These email addresses will be used as the primary source of communication between students and the department. To ensure that every journalism student’s education is as rich and varied as possible, the department has established these requirements: A journalism major must complete a minor in one of the areas of study approved by faculty advisors. A list of approved disciplines for this requirement is posted at https://journalism.sfsu.edu/list-approved-minors. Students should consult with an academic advisor in journalism to determine the minor that best meets their interests and professional goals. A journalism major must have a minimum of 72 non-journalism units in the 120 minimum overall units required for graduation. Included in these 72 units must be a minor in a single subject area chosen in consultation with the advisor. The 72 unit requirement is consistent with the department’s philosophy that a well-rounded education is crucial preparation for journalism and is consistent with the standards of the national accrediting agency (ACEJMC) that evaluates journalism education programs. These standards exclude classes in broadcasting (BECA), public relations (MKTG), and advertising (MKTG) from qualifying as non-journalism units. Photography and film production classes in Art, Cinema, and Design are also excluded.
Why choose San Francisco State University
For social mobility
U.S. News & World Report has ranked San Francisco State University 8th in the nation for social mobility in its 2024 Best Colleges list.
Student organizations
Clubs include fun topics like Anime, K-Pop, and Ultimate Frisbee; academic topics like Marketing and Cyber security; as well as cultural and religious associations.
Alumni have won Oscars
As well as 16 Oscars, SF State alumni have also won: 54 Emmys, 22 Pulitzers, 10 Grammys and 12 Tonys.
Entry Requirements for
Tawjahiya Secondary School or Azhar certificate with 60% average or 12
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Sessional English | 6 weeks – January, May, August – $5,995 12 weeks – January, May, August – $11,990 |
| International Year One | IELTS 5.5 Entry – January, May, August – $26,000 IELTS 5.0 Entry – January, May, August – $28,500 |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin fee. Stated fees for International Year One do not include tuition applicable for degree course continued at the university. Pre-sessional English (PSE) fees are in addition to your pathway fee and is not available on all pathways. If PSE is required, you will progress onto the pathway programme once this has been successfully completed. Contact our admissions team for more information. | |
Scholarships at San Francisco State University
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.