Museum Studies Program
Director: Linda Ellis
San Francisco State University
Humanities 515
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 405-0599
museumst@sfsu.edu
Hours: M-Th, 10-4

About Admissions

Application to SFSU is a two-part process that includes: 1) application to the University at CSU Mentor Online; and 2) application to the Program. Every year we receive over 100 applications, with 15-24 new students accepted to the Program in the Fall semesters only. For Fall 2009 and beyond, our annual application deadline is FEBRUARY 1.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the University, you must:

  • Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S., or its equivalent from a foreign institution
  • Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better in the most recent two (2) years of study
  • Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary (post-high school) institutions attended
  • Provide official GRE Scores submitted to San Francisco State University, reporting code 4684, with an analytical writing score of 4.0 or better; we will accept scores taken within five (5) years of the semester you wish to attend
  • If an international applicant, TOEFL Scores of 550 or better

    • To apply to the Program, you must also:

  • Have a baccalaureate or other master's degree in one of the following or related disciplines: Anthropology, Art History, Classics or Classical Archaeology, Design, Education, History, the Sciences (such as Astronomy, Biology, Geology, Physics, etc.) or Public/Arts Administration; additional museum experience beyond the minimum required is expected when an applicant possesses a degree in a field not listed.
  • Have at least six (6) months paid or volunteer experience in a museum or related setting prior or concurrent to formal application to SFSU Museum Studies
  • Provide a Current Resume
  • Provide one set of all transcripts submitted to San Francisco State University (unofficial copies OK)
  • Submit a Statement of Purpose, addressing specific items outlined in our application procedures
  • Attend the Fall Open House session (see schedule in Application Procedures); optional for out-of-area domestic applicants, waived for international applicants
  • Interview with Program Faculty on dates to be announced; to be eligible for the interview, the following items must be on file for us to contact/book you: CSU Mentor Application, official transcripts, current resume. Interview is waived for domestic and international applicants living overseas.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where do I obtain a CSU Postbaccalaureate/Graduate Studies application?
    Online, at CSU Mentor. SFSU only accepts online applications. Admissions for Fall 2009 opens October 1 through February 1.

    Does the Program require an additional application?
    No: the Program uses the CSU Mentor application only. However, we do require supplemental materials to support your application. See our 'Application Procedures' section for details.

    What is the CSU major code for the MA in Museum Studies?
    The major code for Museum Studies is 49036.

    What is the tuition rate for graduate studies at SFSU?
    Current tuition rates are found here.

    Does the Program have an Open House?
    Yes: we hold two, 2-hour Open House events per academic year. The Open House events cover basic program and application information and include a pre-admissions reception and tour of our facility. Attendance is required for local applicants; optional, but highly recommended for long-distance applicants. For serious applicants to the current application cycle, we recommend attendance to the Fall Open House; for those who wish to apply in later years, attend the Spring date. RSVP is first-come, first served until all spots are filled.

    I cannot attend your Open House dates. Can I still visit the program?
    No: due to our teaching and administration obligations, we cannot host visitations or drop-ins outside of our scheduled admissions events.

    When can I schedule an interview?
    Admissions to the Museum Studies Program is necessarily a selective process. Because we are an impacted program, or, one that receives many more applications for a limited number of spots available, interviews of qualified applicants are by invitation only. To be eligible for an interview, you must meet all University and program admissions requirements, have submitted a CSU Mentor application online to the University for the current application cycle, and provide unofficial transcripts and current resume to the Program as soon as you make the decision to apply. Program staff will contact and book qualified applicants on a rolling basis November through end of February.

    Do you require prior experience in museums?
    Yes: we require at least 6 months paid or volunteer experience within a museum or related setting prior to your program application. Experience in progress at time of application is OK. This not only gives you a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations and areas of work, but also helps you determine an emphasis when matriculated into our Program. For more information, see the article in our admissions brochure, "Getting Experience Prior to Applying to Any Museum Studies Program."

    Do you offer deferred admission?
    No: you must apply for the year you plan to attend.

    Does the Program offer teaching assistantships?
    No. The University does offer various scholarships, work-study awards, and loan opportunities, for which you can apply when you submit a financial aid application (FAFSA).

    Where do I find more information about scholarships?
    Go to the Financial Aid Office's website.

    Do you require the GRE?
    Yes. We refer to the writing assessment section only, and accept current GRE scores taken within 5 years of the year to which you apply. The ideal applicant will have a writing score of 4.0 or better. If you are an international applicant, you are also required by the University to submit TOEFL scores of 550 or better.

    What are the ETS (GRE) codes for SFSU and Museum Studies?
    SFSU's school code is 4684. There is no additional code for Museum Studies.

    Can I complete two Master's degrees concurrently while enrolled at SFSU?
    No: SFSU's policy precludes any graduate student from enrolling in two Master's programs concurrently. You must enroll in and complete one program at a time. Contact Graduate Studies at (415) 338-2234 for more information about this policy.

    Do you offer online courses or distance learning?
    No. You may want to do an Internet search using the keywords "Museum Studies" and "distance learning" to find a program that fits your needs.