San Francisco State University Reviews

"Should have chosen to go to another school. Could have been better than it was. Teachers were awful and unhelpful. Facilities need to be updated. Classes were impacted or only offered every other year. Choose another school with better job placement assistance."

"The graduate program for Special Education at SFSU has both strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths include great faculty that care about your education and well being. Every semester, teachers let students know of conferences and hiring expos put on by districts in the area. Also, classes are offered at night for the working professional. The two cons of the program are not actual issues with the program itself; cost and required courses and tests. Every semester the cost for enrolling has increased. My paycheck does not increase every semester. The required tests and courses that the state says I need, seem more like a money grab than actual research-based, validated courses that will improve my teaching. This last semester was especially frustrating. I had to take the CSET Writing test ($75); 90 minutes to write two 600 word essays. I was insulted by this test. I already had 30 post graduate units, if I cannot write a 600 word essay, I never should have been awarded a BA or my preliminary credential. I just took a course that was added to the program a couple years ago by the state. This course also insulted my knowledge and skills and felt like a waste of money every time I was in the class.Read Less"

"I have found the Master's program at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in Kinesiology to be extremely rewarding. The advisors, professors and student body all work cooperatively to make the graduate school experience exceptional. The master's students represent a wide-range of interests and academic pursuits and the professors are always available to help guide and mentor the students. For those who are interested there are plenty of research opportunities in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and sport psychology. The breadth of the curriculum and the number of research opportunities can be overwhelming. With any graduate program you should have an idea of what you would like to do in the program prior to entry. Otherwise, you may end up like me and take all the classes!Read Less"

"While in the graduate program for teaching English as a Second Language, I was also able to teach in the on-campus language center. This combination of theory gained in class and the ability to apply that theory immediately in my teaching was invaluable. Once I secured a full time teaching position, I felt I was able to hit the ground running and it's what set me apart from my colleagues who attended more theory based programs."

"So far I have had a positive experience at SFSU. The professors and advisors are really helpful and well prepared."

"Competitive environment, great advisers, and great networking opportunities"

"I completed my Junior and Senior years at SFSU taking mostly night and weekend classes. Since I was working, I never used financial aid, hence the three stars for that service--I never had to use it. For the most part, my courses were challenging and instructive. There were a couple that were useless. Those instructors are gone now so I won't mention names. My BS from SFSU was the only reason I was hired for programming jobs. I am now retired."

"San Francisco State University is an amazing university. I came across many professors while studying psychology and philosophy; all of which were accomplished in their respective field, passionate about their discipline and inspiring to learn from. The way that SFSU has set the degree programs is fruitful for all because there is the requirement to take a minimum number of classes outside one's main discipline. This results in the collaboration of varying perspectives and leads to enhanced creative skills. Also, having a few classes outside of psychology and philosophy enriched my social circle and aided me in self discovery. SFSU encourages study abroad, which I took advantage of and spent my last year studying in Australia. Being outside of the country and exposed to another education system widened and strengthened my perspective and appreciation of my studies at SFSU. It also helped me to realize that the quality of education and research skills that is taught, expected and upheld at SFSU is commendable. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I had at SFSU. From my personal experience the faculty, emphasis on creativity and high standard education makes me highly recommend San Francisco State University.Read Less"

"Great school to go for Graduate school. he Public Health program focuses on inequity and social justice."

"The cohort structure of my Masters of Public Health program at San Francisco State was absolutely wonderful. I learned and grew with a group of motivated and social justice minded people. I learned so much from rich classroom discussion in the program and the practical projects we did. Some course that particularly shaped my education and career path were the Theories, Community Assessment, and Program Planning oourses that I took. I think the program prepared me with skills that I can use in a public health position. A drawback of the program is the cost; it is difficult to attend graduate school and live in such an expensive city without incurring loans or having to deal with other financial struggles. I would also have like to see the program put a little more emphasis on building our resume and carrer/ job matching in the final semester.Read Less"

"I love San Francisco State University most of all for their Professors. They work with you when you having a tough time. They really do care about their students achieving their highest potentials."

"This a great MSW program. The faculty are supportive and help you ease into the program. They do need to work on opening up summer courses."

"This Graduate program is one that I pursued and feel confidant in... all pros no cons."

"Overall, I am extremely pleased with the graduate program. The problems I encounter are financial ones. San Francisco is very expensive and financial aid is sparse. However, the program and the school itself have a lot to offer."

"Every school has its pros and cons. The teachers are very supportive and always willing to help their students. However, some of the administration in the program do not display these same qualities"

"Very congenial… every philosophy student tends to have their area of interest. The result is that there is little to no competitiveness in the program, which is great for building a great network of friends and colleagues. Excellent graduate teaching program to gain some classroom experience. Faculty is just flat out awesome and very accessible."

"The academics are fantastic. You will be prepared to be a counselor when you complete this program. However, faculty support is lacking. There is little social support due to the fact SF State is a commuter school. Getting needed classes has been a challenge."

"San Francisco State offers quality education by experienced professors. The cost is not prohibitive. The social life of the graduate program is not very robust, but that seems to be because it is a commuter school. Overall, it is an excellent graduate program."

"pros: student diversity, faculty accessibility cons: rising tuition , accommodation options"

"Great teachers, I could always meet with them if needed, but little help for career choices in a field where there is no direct path."