How to Apply

Deadline for Fall 2023 Admissions is Feb 15, 2023

Following are admissions requirements for the CSU, SF State Museum Studies, and instructions on submitting your official documents. Information especially for International Applicants will also be found.

Applications to SF State Museum Studies are for Fall admission only, and open October 1, 2022 - February 15, 2023 for the 2023 cycle. GRE Scores are not required for the 2023 Admissions Cycle, but can be submitted on an optional basis. (*)

Review of all on-time and complete applications, with required documents, commences after February 15. Admissions recommendations are sent via email from the Program by March 15. Offers of admission must be accepted by April 1 to finalize numbers and prepare for fall matriculation.

Prospective applicants must first meet the California State University’s general eligibility requirements for graduate study, and specific criteria for SF State Museum Studies.

  1. GPA of 3.20 or better in the most recent two years of BA/postbaccalaureate study. Applicants who meet the CSU minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last two years of study will be still be considered.
  2. A minimum of three months of volunteer or paid experience in a museum or related setting, including internships that are completed prior to or concurrent with your formal application to the program.
  3. Academic background in anthropology, art history, classics or classical archaeology, design, education, history, science, or public/arts administration, or fields applicable to Museum Studies, such as communications, environmental studies, fine arts, humanities, or other relevant academic areas.
  4. Two Letters of Reference, from previous professors, museum supervisors, or other work supervisors who know you well and can speak to your skills and aptitude for graduate study. At least one of these letters should be from a supervisor in a museum or related setting.

*If you opt to submit GRE Scores and your test is scheduled for February, score reports can be sent directly to the program by March 1. Electronic score reports can be sent to graddocs@sfsu.edu. The school code for San Francisco State University is 4684.

*If you do not meet the requirements in one or more of the required background elements listed above, we still encourage you to apply!

*If you have questions about the materials for the Program, contact artgrad@sfsu.edu.

Additional Information for International Applicants

After reviewing eligibility requirements, apply to SF State Museum Studies by completing an application online at Cal State Apply. Before submitting your application, please review tips and guidance provided on SF State Graduate Studies' site.

There are four sections in the online application, but you can opt out of the following:

  • In "Academic History" section, opt out of transcript entry and GPA entry.
  • In "Supporting Materials" section, opt out of all supporting materials.
  • For Statement of Purpose section, write “Uploaded to Program Materials Section.”
  • In "Program Materials" section, click on "Documents" tab to upload unofficial transcripts, statement of purpose, writing sample, test score report (if desired), and any other documents. 
  • Click on Questions tab to answer questions.

If you are having technical difficulties with the CalStateApply application, contact gradstudies@sfsu.edu.

The following materials are needed for Program review:

  1. Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended; these are in addition to the Official Transcripts required by the University
  2. Current resume or CV
  3. Your 1000-word Statement of Purpose, addressing: your career objectives; the path that led you toward museum work and reasons for attending SF State Museum Studies; any research completed on the field to determine a focus area; your relevant educational background and/or coursework or workshops; your museum experience(s) or volunteer work, including internships
  4. Your 750-word comparison/contrast essay of current exhibitions at two museums or related institutions in your area, addressing what you liked and or what could be improved in terms of curatorial content, display technique or visitor education. Because COVID-related restrictions are in place, applicants may assess online exhibits.
  5. Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can assess your capabilities and readiness to enter graduate study in Museum Studies. Request letters from your recommenders by January 1 or sooner to meet the February 15 application deadline. You will be providing the name and email address of two recommenders. Once you submit the CalStateApply application, the system will send your recommender/s an email with a summary of what is happening and a link, which will bring them to a private portal to upload their letter. Once submitted, reference letters are merged with the applicant’s account, and are kept confidential from the applicant.

In addition to uploading unofficial transcripts, request an OFFICIAL transcript(s) from all institutions attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from your previous institution(s) to San Francisco State University’s Office of Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave., ADM 250
San Francisco, CA 94132

Electronic transcripts can be sent to: graddocs@sfsu.edu.