The guiding principal of its curricula and instruction is the belief that art and its institutions are an important means to interpret human experience, and a fundamental mechanism by which a society evolves, understands, and reflects upon itself. The School of Art supports the university mission to offer instruction that promotes respect for and appreciation of scholarship, freedom, human diversity and the cultural mosaic of the San Francisco Bay area and beyond, and encourages critical thinking within an inclusive worldview.
The curriculum provides students pathways to engage in personal, philosophical, political and/or conceptual questions through art practice, research and writing. Using a heuristic approach to learning, fueled by curiosity, students are encouraged to understand and challenge normative paradigms, resulting in new forms and ways of thinking. The conceptual exploration of materials, objects, images, texts, actions and events develops transferable skill sets that will enrich students’ lives and prepare them for roles as artists, curators, art historians and creative professionals. The program cultivates visual literacy and critical thinking, and engenders professional conduct (discipline), adaptability, social awareness and social justice, through an understanding of the role of art and its institutions in the human experience. The School of Art offers undergraduates majors and minors in Studio Art and Art History, a minor in Museum Studies, as well as pathways to teaching art.
Students dedicated to creative expression in art practice, or scholarly research in the history of art, may elect to pursue graduate education.
opportunities for technical or on-the-job training in related fields.
A course in exhibition design is offered in the professional environment of the Fine Arts Gallery and provides intense, practical, and theoretical training for gallery and art museum careers.
The International Year One is the perfect pathway if you want a undergraduate degree from a UK, EU or US University but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
The IY1 course provides an intensive combination of first year University subject modules with English language skills.
Following successful completion of the IY1 you will continue onto your second year degree study directly with the University of your choice.
Learn more about International Year One| Intake | Admissions Deadline* |
Arrival to SF State |
Program Start Date |
| Fall 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | Aug 17, 2024 | Aug 19, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | Dec 2, 2024 | Jan 18, 2025 | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | Apr 15, 2025 | PSE: May 28, 2025
UP: Jun 1, 2025 |
PSE: May 29, 2025
UP: Jun 2, 2025 |
 *Key dates for PSE and UP are the same except for arrival and program start dates in the Summer 2025 term, which are indicated in the table above.
Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:
Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.
• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000
| IELTS Exam Score | Pre-Sessional English # of Terms |
University Pathway # of Terms |
IY1 # of Terms |
Total IY1 Tuition Fees Spring 2024 Intake* |
| 4.0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $40,490 |
| 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | $34,495 |
| 5.0 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $28,500 |
| 5.5 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $26,000 |
*The tuition list is current for 2024- 2025 and will be subject to increase each year.
*Prices of PSE terms vary for Summer 2025
Applying is easy. Complete the online application form and follow the instructions. If you have any queries please contact us.
Founded in 1889, SF State offers world-class academics, a diverse campus and an incredible location for students.
With around 27,000 students from all over the globe, international students find SF State a truly welcoming community and diverse place to live in.
SF State has been included in the Top 20 colleges nationwide for best location. It was also rated one of the most diverse colleges in America, according to Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings.
