San Francisco State University
AC-4: Graduate Program

The most common areas of specialization within the M.A. in Geography is the Concentration in Resource Management and Environmental Planning, which affords opportunities for work in affiliated disciplines and unofficial specializations in geographic techniques, physical geography, urban geography, environmental or land-use history, and environmental analysis. In general, the Masters programs in Geography meet the academic needs of individuals seeking careers in environmental management and policy, urban and regional planning, Geographic Information Science (GIS/remote sensing), or as academics at the community college level, as well as students who wish to pursue doctoral studies elsewhere.

The graduate curriculum balances breadth with depth. Entering students without previous work in geography are required to take prerequisite courses in physical and human geography, as well as geographic techniques, plus two upper-division courses selected on advisement.

All geography Masters' students must complete a foundation seminar in the scope and method of geography, as well as seminars in both physical and human geography (with necessary prerequisites.) Additional seminars and upper-division coursework offer an opportunity for specialization.

The IMES Master of Science program combines coursework, an interdisciplinary research experience, a professional internship and co-curricular workshops to support students in developing their technical and professional skills. These skills prepare students for a variety of career pathways, including preparing them to pursue a PhD. The IMES is a 2-3 year program of full-time study. The length of the program depends on the type of research thesis project the student decides to pursue and their prior preparation.

The M.S. in Biology with a Concentration in Integrative Biology is designed for students aiming to go on to Ph.D. programs or enter the workplace in fields such as systematics, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, population genetics, genomics, taxonomy, biodiversity, and biogeography and/or community, population, reproductive, physiological, and evolutionary ecology. This program is a research-intensive program – students conduct hands-on mentored research training using state-of-the-art facilities with the goal of publishing in scientific journals. It is common for students to travel to scientific meetings and present the results of their research in talks or posters. Students work closely on their research projects with their primary advisor in consultation with their chosen thesis/project committee, which consists of two other faculty members.

The MBA with Certificate in Sustainable Business prepares managers and entrepreneurs to help lead organizations toward financially viable business practices that contribute to a more equitable economy and a healthier natural environment. Students in the program learn how to articulate the business case for sustainability and inclusive prosperity, conceptualize innovative products and services, lead internal and external coalitions to address social innovation, and implement metrics to measure sustainability progress.

Courses include Business Ethics, Society, and Sustainability, Business Management, Ecology and Environmental Leadership, and Innovation for Sustainability

Starting Fall 2022, the Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE) program replaced the MS in Engineering with concentration in Structural/Earthquake Engineering (SEE) program. This degree program at the School of Engineering focuses on research and design studies towards resilient and sustainable civil engineering infrastructure.
The coursework includes Principles of Earthquake Engineering, Advanced Concrete Structures, Advanced Steel Structures, Structural Design for Earthquakes, Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Advanced Topics in Seismic Engineering, Advanced Topics in Structural Engineering, Bridge Engineering and Prestressed Concrete, and Structural Design for Fire Safety.
Students completing the master’s program at SFSU are prepared for professional practice and for doctoral study in structural engineering. Students can conduct research activities using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.

Starting Fall 2022, the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program replaced the MS in Engineering with concentration in Energy Systems (ES) program. The ES program covered issues related to limited energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, and renewable energy, as well as the effects of ever-increasing energy production and consumption are prompting a significant surge in the need for professionals with an advanced education in energy systems.

The concentration area for the SFSU Master of Science in Engineering degree addressed the rising demand for energy professionals. Both the MSME and the ES concentration area include coursework in:
Energy Resources and Sustainability
Renewable Energy Systems
Energy-Efficient Buildings
Energy Auditing, Measurement and Verification

Research areas for program faculty include industrial energy efficiency, advanced materials for solar cells, internal combustion engines, energy and emissions life-cycle analyses, and energy storage.

Data acquired from SF State academic pages as well as the Estuary & Ocean Sciences Center webpage.