Metro Academies
Metro Academies offer linked courses, personalized support and a focus on social justice to help students succeed in college.
Explore Academies
Each Metro Academy combines general education with themed, major-related courses—like health, science or ethnic studies—creating a supportive learning community.
Students in Metro Academies will get built-in academic support, stay with the same peers and explore real-world issues through a social justice lens. Students are placed in a Metro Academy based on a major or career interest.
Finish general ed with a supportive community
Students who go through Metro don't just finish their general ed requirements — they finish them with a community behind them. They know how to advocate for themselves, navigate the university, and show up for the people around them. Many Metro students go on to become peer mentors, student leaders, and the first in their families to earn a college degree.
That could be you!
Metro Academy Cohorts
Academies are open to all first-year students—no matter your major—and help you explore how equity connects to your field of interest.
Business Academy
Business is one of SFSU's most popular areas, with students in accounting, management, marketing and more. Economics majors often find a great home here too.
Ethnic Studies Academy
Students majoring or minoring in Race and Resistance Studies, Latina/o Studies, Asian American Studies and related fields thrive here. Criminal justice is another popular major in this academy. Students passionate about education, social change and community advocacy will also feel right at home.
Liberal & Creative Arts (LCA) Academy
This is a great home for cinema and art majors—but LCA also means areas like communications, political science, international relations and history. Students with interests in education, sociology or the humanities will find plenty of peers here who share their curiosity about people, culture and ideas.
Health Academy
A lot of pre-nursing students call this academy home, alongside students exploring public health, pre-med, kinesiology and psychology. Biology majors are a common fit here as well. Students in child and adolescent development, social work and sociology who care about health equity and community well-being will also find a natural fit.
STEM Academy
Biology, engineering and computer science are the most popular majors, and psychology students join frequently too.
Undeclared/Exploring Academy
Still figuring out your major? You're in the right place. This academy is designed for students who are curious, open-minded and ready to explore before committing to a path. You'll have the space to sample different disciplines, connect with peers who are asking the same big questions and get support as you discover what excites you most.
Metro Students at SFSU
of SFSU freshmen
join a Metro Academy
Metro students are more likely to graduate
First Generation College Students
of Metro Students are the first in their family to go to college
Academy Coordinators
Related Organizations
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Educational Opportunity Program
SFSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) improves access and retention of underserved low-income and first-generation college students. The program helps students graduate through outreach, admissions, academic and financial support.
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Guardian Scholars Program
SFSU’s Guardian Scholars Program creates a vibrant and welcoming community with personalized services that help students who have been in the foster care system achieve academic success, connect to stable housing resources and prepare for meaningful career pathways.
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University Development
University Development facilitates generous gifts from private donors to San Francisco State University. These funds are a vital component in supporting academic excellence and accessibility for all students at the University.