San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132 San Francisco, USA Visit web page

Journalism

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : BA (Hons) Journalism : Full time : 36 Month

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Freshman from a High School Outside of the US

To be eligible for admission to SF State as a freshman, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Be academically prepared for college/university

Complete a secondary/high school curriculum that totals 12 years of primary-secondary education, be qualified to enter a university in your home country and have a good scholastic record from an accredited/recognized school.

2. Meet the GPA requirement

Have a a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) in the 4.0 grading scale or B- average in academic courses completed after 9th grade.

3. Graduate from high school 

​You should have, or will have, the equivalent of US high school completion.

See specific secondary school credentials by country.

4. Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement

See the English Language Proficiency section below for more information.

Eligible English Proficiency Exams

Test Minimum Score
TOEFL iBT Total Score 61
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Total Score 61
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
IELTS Indicator Overall Score 6.0
PTE Academic Score 45
SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing 550
ACT English Score 22
IB English A – Language and Literature HL 4
IB English A – Literature HL 4
AP English Language and Composition 3
AP English Literature and Composition 3

For students planning to study in F-1 student visa status, you and/or your sponsor(s) must prove that you have the financial ability to pay for school costs plus living expenses for one academic year. 

You will be asked to submit the following documents:

  • Financial Affidavit Form
  • Proof of finances
  • Passport copy (or national ID card if you do not yet have a passport)

Speciality

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Out-of-State and International students must pay $420.00 PER UNIT in addition to the tuition fees appropriate to their academic level. 

Some other documents we may need for your application:

  • If it has been more than 1 year since you graduated from high school, submit the Gap in Attendance Form
  • 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.
  • If you completed any of the following exams: Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma - Higher Level, you may be eligible to receive additional college credit. Official exam scores will be required to award transfer credit. Visit the Standardized External Examinations page for more information.
  • If you are an official partner-agent with San Francisco State University, submit the Student Consent for Release of Information form.

Pathways Available - International Year One

Additional information

Degree 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.