Program Overview
Introduction to the Special Major Program
The Bachelor of Arts: Special Major is a unique program offered by San Francisco State University, designed for students with distinctive academic goals that cannot be met through the university's existing undergraduate major programs. This program allows students to create a personalized course of study that integrates multiple disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen theme.
Program Scope
The special major consists of a combination of courses planned in advance to focus on an integrative and coherent theme identified by the student. A written statement must be developed to describe the goals of the proposed major, which must be compatible with the university's general objectives. Courses must be chosen from at least three different departments in at least two different colleges of the university.
Eligibility and Admission
To be eligible for the special major program, students are expected to have completed a minimum of 45 and a maximum of 90 units of university study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B). Students may apply for admission to the special major program during or after their first semester of attendance at SF State. Special major status is granted only after consultation with an adviser and approval of the student's proposal.
Advising and Coursework
Advising for students pursuing a special major is provided at the Undergraduate Advising Center by academic counselors designated by the Dean of Undergraduate Education and Academic Planning. Coursework in the major program must be approved in advance by departments offering the courses. Students are advised to consult the advising website to initiate the special major approval process.
General Advising Information for Transfer Students
Transfer students are encouraged to complete as many lower-division requirements or electives for the special major as possible before transferring to SF State. The university recommends that transfer students complete courses in U.S. History and U.S. & California Government before transfer, as these courses are required for graduation but not for admission.
Transferring From Institutions Other Than CCCs or CSUs
Students transferring from institutions other than California Community Colleges (CCCs) or California State Universities (CSUs) should review SF State's lower-division General Education requirements. While the four basic skills courses required for admission meet A1, A2, A3, and B4 in the SF State GE pattern, courses that fulfill the remaining areas of SF State's lower-division GE pattern may be available at most two-year and four-year colleges and universities.
Conclusion
The Special Major program at San Francisco State University offers students a unique opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary studies tailored to their academic and professional goals. By providing a flexible and personalized course of study, the program enables students to explore complex themes and issues from multiple perspectives, preparing them for a wide range of careers and graduate studies.