This page is to help support academic advising at New Student Orientation — Tools and resources to assist you in planning your first-semester schedule at SF State.
New Student Help Desk
(webpage)
If you need any assistance with Orientation, Advising or navigating SF State Services before your classes begin, go to our New Student Help Desk
Virtual Workshops
☜ Virtual Academic Advising Workshop - Friday, June 28th, 2024 (11:00am PST)
This is the link to the workshop session for the Gator's Path to Success (GPS) presentation.
1:30 – 2pm: A – C
2 – 2:30pm: D – J
2:30 – 3pm: K – M
3 – 3:30pm: N – R
3:30 – 4pm: S – V
4 – 4:30pm: W – Z
☜ Virtual Orientation Workshop Questions...
Please, submit your questions here during the virtual GPS (Academic Advising) presentation—there will be a Q/A break when questions will be addressed (time pending).
- Your preferred name and SF State ID number are both OPTIONAL, but if your specific questions need a follow-up, it would be best to include that information.
Pre-Orientation
☜ Freshman Orientation Advising Module (FOAM)
One of the items on your new-student Orientation Profile tasklist is the Academic Advising module tutorial which is designed to take you through the 5 Steps of Class Planning for your first semester—please complete this module, watch all the videos included, and fill out your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet. (link)
☜ Your Orientation Profile Portal
The portal that you used to sign up for orientation also has a new-student tasklist with items that you should complete before the beginning of the semester—some activities are best if done BEFORE your orientation program or workshop.
Gator's Path to Success Presentation Resources
5 Steps of Class Planning at Orientation
Resources for the 5 steps outlined in the Freshmen Orientation Class Planner
Download the Freshmen Orientation Class Planner worksheet—Download and print this worksheet to follow the 5 steps in planning your first semester of classes.
First-Year Writing Advising
Incoming freshmen will use this process to help determine which English class they should enroll in for their first semester at San Francisco State University. There are two steps you need to do to accomplish this:
- Check to see your English Pathway/Category status:
How to check your English Pathway/Category
(Or, refer to your Orientation packet label)
Complete the First Year Writing Advising module (~5 minutes)—link is below:
Open Classes for Fall 2024
Refer to the "Open Classes" section at the bottom of this page.
First-Year Math Advising
Incoming freshmen will use this process to help determine which math class they should enroll in for their first semester at San Francisco State University. There are two steps you need to do to accomplish this:
- Check to see your Math Pathway/Category status:
How to check your Math Pathway/Category
(Or, refer to your Orientation packet label)
- Complete the First Year Math Advising module (~5 minutes)—link is below:
Gator Smart Start resource to assist in choosing a math course for the first semester:
Open Classes for Fall 2024
Refer to the "Open Classes" section at the bottom of this page.
Open Classes for Fall 2024
Refer to the "Open Classes" section at the bottom of this page.
Click here to find classes that we recommend for your FIRST semester!
Full list of Degree Programs (A-Z) from the 2024-2025 Bulletin:
-
Academic Programs
- Only select "Bachelor's Degree" programs
(Do NOT select "Master's Degrees", Certificates, or Minors)
Open Classes for Fall 2024
Refer to the "Open Classes" section at the bottom of this page.
Lower-Division General Education List (Areas A-F):
- Area A: English Language Communication and Critical Thinking
- Area B: Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
- Area C: Arts and Humanities
- Area D: Social Sciences
- Area E: Lifelong Learning and Self-development (LLD)
- Area F: Ethnic Studies
U.S. & California Government:
-
U.S. and California Government (USG and CSLG)
(Scroll down until you see this list)
Met in Major
If you are in any of the following majors, some courses also meet certain General Education requirement areas that are not normally designated as "GE" courses—see the table below:
| Major Department | GE Requirement Area |
|---|---|
| Biology | B2 |
| Biochemistry | B1, B2, B3 |
| Chemistry | B1, B3 |
| Dietetics/Nutrition | B1, B2, B3 |
| Engineering | A3, E |
| Environmental Studies | B1, B2, B3 |
| Kinesiology | B2 |
| Liberal Studies Integrated Teacher Preparation | B4 |
| Music | C1 |
|
"Interest-in-Nursing" track |
B2 |
- *This table does NOT include any Upper-division Met in Major requirements
- For details of which courses meet these GE requirement areas, click the "Met in Major" button below.
When in these majors, make sure to NOT take courses listed on the standard General Education list for a GE Area that will already be covered by your major—this will save you from taking a class that you don't need!
Advanced Placement Test Score Charts (by year taken):
Ask an academic counselor if...
- you have taken an AP test before Fall 2020
- have IB or CLEP test scores
- have any transfer credit from another institution
Open Classes for Fall 2024
Refer to the "Open Classes" section at the bottom of this page.
Class Enrollment Tools
Learn how to navigate your Student Center portal and the general process of "how to enroll".
Learn how to find classes using the online Class Schedule search tool:
How To Look Up And Register For Classes Using Gator Scheduler
Other Supporting Offices
Veteran's Office
San Francisco State University is committed to assisting Active Duty, Veterans, and Dependents of the United States Armed Forces attain their educational goals.
- Meet your Veteran Services Team
- Go over Federal and State Veteran Benefits
- Assistance using benefits
- Learn about work-study opportunities
The Division of International Education office provides advising on F-1 Visa regulations, employment workshops, and new student welcome events to assist degree-seeking F-1 international students in achieving their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Metro is a campus-wide program that is based out of the College of Ethnic Studies. We offer learning communities ("Academies") in each of the colleges at SF State—Science & Engineering, Liberal & Creative Arts, Health & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and Ethnic Studies.
- This table is best used in conjunction with the advice from an Academic Counselor during your Orientation session.
- Click on the "Class" below to see the details for Days/Times of the class from the Class Schedule Search tool.
|
GE Area |
Class |
BUS 1 |
BUS 2 |
EDU |
ETHS |
LCA 1 |
LCA 2 |
Health 1 |
Health 2 |
Health 3 |
STEM 1 |
STEM 2 |
STEM 3 |
STEM 4 |
ALL |
|
A1 |
[05] |
[13] |
[33] |
[34] |
[28] |
[24] |
[11] |
[35] |
[36] |
[10] |
[01] |
[29] |
[25] |
[15] |
|
|
A2 |
[03] |
[42] |
[44] |
[14] |
[08] |
[34] |
[16] |
[35] |
[07] |
[09] |
[10] |
[28] |
[04] |
- |
|
|
A2 |
[36] |
[35] |
[37] |
[32] |
[23] |
[25] |
[53] |
[41] |
[26] |
[39] |
[46] |
[24] |
[50] |
- |
|
|
A2 |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
[03] |
|
|
A3 |
[11] |
[12] |
[13] |
[14] |
[18] |
[19] |
[15] |
[16] |
[17] |
[20] |
[20] |
[22] |
[23] |
- |
|
|
B4 |
[31] |
[32] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
B4 |
[31] |
[31] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
B4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[31] |
[32] |
[33] |
[34] |
- |
|
|
B4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[31] [32] |
[31] [32] |
[33] [34] |
[33] [34] |
- |
|
|
B4 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[31] [32] |
[31] [32] |
[33] [34] |
[33] [34] |
- |
|
|
B4 |
- |
- |
- |
[01] |
[03] |
[03] |
[01] |
[02] |
[02] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
B4 |
- |
- |
- |
[01] |
[03] |
[03] |
[01] |
[02] |
[02] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
C2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
[01] |
[02] |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
C2 |
[01] |
[02] |
[03] |
[04] |
- |
- |
[05] |
[06] |
[07] |
[08] |
[09] |
[10] |
[11] |
- |
Post-Orientation Resources
☜ Orientation Profile Tasklist
Once your orientation is completed, you can return to the task list on your Orientation Profile page to complete any items that you haven't finished already—You will want to complete these tasks BEFORE the beginning of the semester.
☜ Please take some time to complete this short and anonymous, survey.
☜ Please take some time to check out this material.
New Student Help Desk
(webpage)
If you need any assistance with Orientation, Advising or navigating SF State Services before your classes begin, go to our New Student Help Desk
Open Classes (Live Update)
English for Native Speakers
The English Composition program track is designed for those whose primary language is English and who are more comfortable reading & writing in English.
ENG 104 Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice Stretch I
The first course in a two-semester stretch sequence, recommended for English Pathway/Category 3 & 4 students.
ENG 105 taken in the second semester.
26 seats open
ENG 114 Writing the First Year: Finding Your Voice
Single-semester course recommended for English Pathway/Category 2 students. (Pathway/Category 3 or 4 recommended to seek tutoring for this course)
10 seats available
GE Area E Life-Long Learning & Self-Development
English Pathway/Category 1 students are recommended to explore GE Area E options (if not already transferred from another institution.)
Seats available in ENG 216, ENG 218 and LS 200
English for Non-Native Speakers
The Center for Multilingual Studies (CMS) program track is designed for those whose primary language is NOT English and who are more comfortable reading & writing in language(s) other than English.
ENG 201 Writing the First Year: Global Perspectives of Multilingual Speakers Stretch I
The first course in a two-semester stretch sequence, recommended for English Pathway/Category 3 & 4 CMS students.
ENG 202 taken in the second semester.
27 seats open
ENG 209 Writing the First Year: Global Perspectives of Multilingual Speakers
A single-semester course recommended for Multilingual (English language learner) English Pathway/Category 2 students.
(Not recommended for Pathway/Category 3 or 4 students)
0 seats open
ENG 212 Advanced Grammar for Writing - Multilingual
This course is for CMS students who want more development in English grammar and writing.
16 seats open
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Majors
-
Astronomy/Astrophysics
-
Biology (All B.S. Concentrations)*
-
*(optional for B.A. Biology)
-
Chemistry/Biochemistry
-
Computer Science
-
Earth Sciences
-
Economics
-
Engineering (All emphasis)
-
Environmental Science
-
Mathematics
-
Physics
-
Statistics
MATH 197 Prelude to Calculus I
Two-semester stretch course sequence recommended for Math Pathway/Category 3 & 4 students.
MATH 198 taken in the second semester.
46 seats open
MATH 199 Pre-Calculus
Single-semester course recommended for Math Pathway/Category 2 students. (Pathway/Category 3 or 4 recommended to seek tutoring for this course)
Many seats available
MATH 226 Calculus I
Single-semester course recommended for Math Pathway/Category 2 students who have met all prerequisites.
12 seats open
Business Administration (all concentrations)
- Accounting
- Decision Sciences
- Finance
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
MATH 107 Mathematics for Business Calculus I
Two-semester stretch course sequence recommended for Math Pathway/Category 3 & 4 students.
MATH 108 taken in the second semester.
15 seats open
DS 110 Calculus with Business Applications
Single-semester course recommended for Math Pathway/Category 2 students.
23 seats open
MATH 110 Business Calculus
Single-semester course recommended for Math Pathway/Category 2 students who have met all prerequisites.
Many seats available
Health Majors (Statistics-based)
Health Majors (Statistics based)
- (Pre)Nursing
- Nutrition/Dietetics
- Kinesiology
- Public Health
MATH 124 Elementary Statistics
Single-semester stretch course sequence recommended for students in majors that require a more "standard" (basic) statistics course (recommended for future transfer and/or graduate school opportunities. Math Pathway/Category 3 & 4 students are recommended to also take the support class, MATH 123, concurrently for support.
33 seats open in ONLINE asynchronous section with in person final.
MATH 123 Mathematics for Elementary Statistics
1-unit support course for MATH 124 Elementary Statistics.
17 seats open
All Other Majors (that do not require a specific math)
If you find that all the math courses in this section are FULL for your first semester, and your intended major does not require a specific math course for GE Area B4, then you can opt to take this in your second semester. Or, if you are up to the challenge and feel you have the math background, you can choose to take math courses from any of the above sections—especially if you are contemplating declaring into a major that DOES require math.
25 seats open
Math 112 = 6 seats open
0 seats open
0 seats open
Mathematics Support Courses
MATH 123 is a 1-unit support course for MATH 124, PSY 171, and ISED 160
17 seats open
SCI 199 is a 1-unit support course for MATH 199 Pre-Calculus
5 seats are open
SCI 226 is a 1-unit support course for MATH 226 Calculus I
0 seats open
Open GE lists (by Area):
Do NOT take upper-division courses (numbered 300 and above) as a Freshman!
Refer to the online Class Schedule "Advanced Search" function and look for particular GE areas under "Course Attributes"—there are a LOT of open classes still available!
See instructions below...
Go to the online Class Schedule page:
SFSU Home > "Quick Links" tab > "Class Schedule" menu option
Use the "Advanced Search" option—select the following settings:
- For "Term", select "Fall 2024"
- For "Seat Availability" Select "Classes with seats available"
Skip down to "Course Attribute"—you can choose up to TWO attributes for your search criteria:
- Based on your preferences, you might also want to select "In-Person" classes or one of our online options
Choose the GE Area category to find open classes within that requirement area:
Here are the GE areas you will want to search for:
- Area B - Physical & Life Sciences
- Area C - Arts & Humanities
- Area D - Social Sciences
- Note: US/CA Government will still be listed as "Area D3" even though it was removed from the GE program
- Area E - Lifelong Learning & Self-Development (only if you have completed Area A2 already)
- Area F - Ethnic Studies (only choose lower-division courses—Numbered 100-299!)
On the Search Results page:
- Find a course you are interested in
- Make sure that it fits your current class schedule
- Note the "Instruction Mode" (In-Person vs. Online)
- You will need the "Class Number" to add each course into the "Shopping Cart" on your Student Center
Repeat until you are enrolled into 12-16 units (your choice)!