SF State Scholars programs allow undergraduates to work on their B.A. degree then, during their junior and senior years, also work on a graduate degree. This saves students time and money while enabling them to quick-start their careers. These programs are administered by the Graduate Division, which also provides more details on how they operate.
The School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) currently has five approved SF State Scholars programs.
These programs have a simple application process, but each student must have a Faculty Sponsor from their B.A. department.
In this video, two MPA alumni (Luis De Paz Fernandez, BA in Latina/Latino Studies, and Eunice Kim, BA in Asian American Studies) talk about their choices in combining those undergrad fields with the MPA-- and how that has impacted their careers. These two-degree pathways are among those available in the PACE SF State Scholars programs: the BA in Asian American Studies-MPA Scholars Program and the BA in Latina/Latino Studies-MPA Scholars Program.
Those two options are joined by the BA in Urban Studies and Planning--MPA Scholars Program, the BA in Sociology-MA in Gerontology and the BA in Social Work-MA in Gerontology. Another new option, the BA in Political Science-MPA Scholars Program, is under review by the CSU Chancellor's Office.
Eligibility requirements for the Program include:
- Obtain Tenured/Tenure Track faculty advisor sponsorship in the degree program
- Apply before completion of 90-105 semester units and before enrolling in a senior capstone course
- Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester units.
- Declare a major in related SF State Scholar program
- Meet admission requirements for intended graduate program
To apply for the Program, review the Grad Division's materials and complete the following application process.
- Consult with an SF Scholars Coordinator to determine if you are eligible for the SF State Scholars Program, and if the program is the best fit for you.
- Complete the SF State Scholars Application and submit it to your SF Scholars Coordinator for approval.
- For applicants applying to one of the MPA programs, write a narrative Statement of Purpose including the following information in a coherent essay (in no more than four pages, double-spaced). Submit this Statement of Purpose, along with a current resume, to the MPA SF State Scholars Program Coordinator (Dr. Genie Stowers at gstowers@sfsu.edu)
- Life experiences that have led you to an interest in public service (public or nonprofit)
- Background in the public service, including any work or volunteer experience you might have in public or nonprofit agencies
- Areas of specific interests in the public service, including what has led you to these specific interests
- Career and professional goals and aspiration
- How the MPA degree will be helpful and consistent with your career goals and aspirations
- Why this is the right time in your career to come into an MPA program and seek the degree
- Why the SF State MPA degree program is a good fit for you and your career/professional goals
- No Application fee is required.
- No GRE/GMAT test is required.
- Submitting Documents through the DocuSign Portal
- Your name and SFSU email address
- The name and SFSU email address of your Faculty Sponsor/Advisor
- The name and SFSU email address of your SF Scholars Program Coordinator
- Click "Begin Signing"
- Fill out the top portion of the form
- Click “FINISH” at the top of the page to send the form for Review.
- All approving parties will receive an email requesting review & approval of the SF State Scholars Admission form. It is important that you submit accurate information for prompt review/approval
School of PACE SF State Scholars Programs
The SF State Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees (B.A. in Social Work + M.A. in Gerontology) in five years.
For roadmaps of degree programs, eligibility requirements, and the application form, go to the SF State Scholars page
Contact SF Scholars Coordinator - Jocelyn Clare Hermoso (Social Work) & Darlene Yee-Melichar (Gerontology) for more information.
The SF State Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees (B.A. in Sociology + M.A. in Gerontology) in five years.
For roadmaps of degree programs, eligibility requirements, and the application form, go to the SF State Scholars page
Contact SF Scholars Coordinator - Chris Bettinger (Sociology) & Darlene Yee-Melichar (Gerontology) for more information.
The SF State Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees (B.A. in Asian American Studies + Master of Public Administration) in less time than it would take to do both, separately.
For roadmaps of degree programs, eligibility requirements, and the application form, go to the SF State Scholars page
Contact SF Scholars Coordinator -- Coordinator To Be Determined (Asian American Studies) & Genie Stowers (Public Administration) for more information.
More information about the MPA degree | Why Come to SF State's MPA Program
The SF State Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees (B.A. in Latina/Latino Studies + Master of Public Administration) in less time than it would take to do both, separately.
For roadmaps of degree programs, eligibility requirements, and the application form, go to the SF State Scholars page
Contact SF Scholars Coordinator -- Coordinator To Be Determined (Latina/Latino Studies) & Genie Stowers (Public Administration) for more information.
More information about the MPA degree | Why Come to SF State's MPA Program
The SF State Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to earn two degrees (B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning + Master of Public Administration) in less time than it would take to do both, separately.
For roadmaps of degree programs, eligibility requirements, and the application form, go to the SF State Scholars page
Contact SF Scholars Coordinator -- Coordinator To Be Determined (Urban Studies and Planning) & Genie Stowers (Public Administration) for more information.
More information about the MPA degree | Why Come to SF State's MPA Program