90-acre (36-hectare) campus in San Francisco, Calif. It was founded in 1899 as San Francisco State College and has grown over the years from a teacher-training college into a university that conducts an array of degree programs from the bachelor's through the doctoral level. A member of the California State University System, it is primarily a commuter institution that serves state residents, though a limited amount of on-site housing is available. San Francisco State University enrolls more than 19,000 undergraduates, with women outnumbering men. About a third of the undergraduates are over the age of 25. Minorities make up about half of the bachelor's degree candidates, and Asian Americans are the largest minority group. Undergraduate programs are offered in humanities, behavioral and social sciences, business, creative arts, education, ethnic studies, sciences, health, recreational and leisure studies, and physical education. About three fourths of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. The university also enrolls more than 6,000 graduate students. Graduate programs are available in biological and life sciences, business management and administrative services, computer and information sciences, education, engineering and applied sciences, fine arts, health professions and related sciences, performing arts, and social sciences. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities, including fraternities and sororities, performance groups, intramural sports, the campus radio station, and publications. Varsity sports teams, nicknamed the Gators, participate in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. School colors are purple and gold. |