Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Sexuality Studies

The Master of Arts program in Sexuality Studies provides an integrative and comprehensive graduate degree for students interested in studying and working with issues related to human sexuality, sexuality education, research, and social policy. It offers an interdisciplinary curriculum in the study of sexuality, with particular emphasis on theory, research, and application. Sexual and cultural diversity and their relevant historical, social, developmental, and biological aspects are considered.

Program Overview

The program investigates the assumptions and applications surrounding current methodologies of the major disciplines that are presently concerned with human sexuality. It enables students to understand varied and often contradictory policies around which sexuality has been formulated, generating a perspective through which they will be able to formulate new and improved solutions to these issues.

Application Process

Components of the Application Process

• A Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose is the first document that the admissions committee will read. It is critical that you write a strong and exciting statement. In the statement, you must first of all let us know what you want to accomplish by studying human sexuality in our program.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: When you ask for letters of recommendation, it behooves you to send letters that will be highly favorable.
• Writing Sample: To help the admissions committee assess your readiness and suitability for our MA program, you should submit an academic writing sample that best showcases your analytic and writing skills.
• Transcripts: Indicating a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE Requirement): The Sexuality Studies MA Program does not require applicants to take the GRE exam.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and who preparatory education was principally in a language other than English are required to take TOEFL.

Application Deadlines

• Early Priority: January 15, 2026
• Regular: March 15, 2026
• Final deadline: May 1, 2026

Program Structure

Core Requirements (12 units)

• SXS/ANTH 701 or SXS/HIST 702: Sexual Cultures, Sexual Identities / Sexuality in Historical Perspective
• SXS 800: Sociocultural Foundations in Human Sexuality
• SXS 801: Biological and Psychological Foundations of Human Sexuality
• SXS 890: Professional Development

Research Methodology (6 units)

• SXS 881: Research Methods in Human Sexuality Studies
• SXS 882 or SXS 884 or other advanced methods course with approval of Graduate Studies Coordinator: Research Design in Human Sexuality Studies / Advanced Methods in Sexuality Studies

Electives (9 units)

Units selected from upper-division/graduate courses upon advisement

Culminating Experience (3 units)

• Select one of the following: SXS 894 or SXS 895 or SXS 898: Creative Work Project / Research Project in Human Sexuality Studies / Master's Thesis

Year 1

First Semester

• SXS 800: Sociocultural Foundations in Sexuality Studies
• SXS 799: Issues in Sexuality Studies
• SXS 803: Applied Sexuality Studies

Second Semester

• SXS 801: Applied Issues in Sexuality Studies
• SXS 881: Developing the Culminating Experience
• SXS 702: Sexuality in Historical Perspective

Year 2

Third Semester

• SXS 882: Designing the Culminating Experience
• 6 units of electives

Fourth Semester

• SXS 894/SXS 898: Culminating Experience
• SXS 884: Capstone Preparation

Graduation Requirements

• A minimum of 30 semester units
• A 3.0 GPA is required for course work listed on the ATC and in all post-baccalaureate work taken at SF State
• No lower division course work
• No prerequisite course work
• Only courses with grades of C or better

Career Outlook

The career outlook for undergraduates and graduates with specialized knowledge of human sexuality has never been better. The M.A. in Sexuality Studies prepares students for the following next career steps:

• Ph.D. programs and professional schools
• Public health workers
• Reproductive health education, research, training, and prevention
• Sexuality education
• Work in policy or research public policy institutes
• Service provision
• Education and training for service providers and human resource providers
• Research, policy, and education providers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for the M.A.?

There are no prerequisites to the M.A.

If I had low grades during the first two years of college, should I not apply?

The program requires that you have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the last two years of your college education.

Can I send more than two letters of recommendation?

We prefer to evaluate your candidacy from the materials we have requested.

Can I send my application early?

Yes, please keep in mind that we do not have rolling admissions.

Where can I find more information about the TOEFL?

You can find more information at San Francisco State University's Testing Center.

I would like to speak with someone to review my application or ask specific questions. Can I contact someone?

Please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Sexuality Studies.

I have taken graduate level classes in sexuality studies before. Can I get credit for these classes?

Credit for previously taken classes is not automatic and will never exceed 6 units of course work.

Do you admit students for the spring semester?

No, we only admit students for the fall semester.

I have applied to the program before and was not admitted. Does it hurt my chances if I apply again?

No, your previous application is not considered as part of a new application.

Are your graduate courses available online or do you have long distance learning programs?

No, we are a fully in-person program.

What kind of scholarships are available for students who are admitted to your program?

Please go to our scholarship page.

Does your program offer any research assistantships?

Research assistantships are offered but not guaranteed.

Will your program qualify me to become a sex therapist?

No, our program will not qualify you to become a sex therapist.

Can I be trained to be a sex educator at SF State?

Our program offers a comprehensive research and training program that will enable you to become a sex educator.

Can I go on to a Ph.D. program?

Our program is ideally suited to equip graduates with the theory and methodology necessary to qualify for a Ph.D. program in a relevant field.

Shall I conduct original research for my master's thesis?

You are permitted to do a creative project, an empirical research project, or a library research project for your M.A. thesis.

What is the Western Regional Graduate Program?

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) is a tuition-discounting program that enables students from Western states and territories to enroll in participating graduate programs and pay the enrolling institution's resident tuition rate.