San Francisco State University was founded in 1899 in San Francisco, California. Online courses at San Francisco State are offered through the College of Extended Learning which awards Professional Development Certificates, Academic Certificates, CEUs, and also offers non-credit classes. The College of Extended Learning at San Francisco State University caters primarily to nontraditional students and professionals by offering flexible courses and transferable-degree-credit courses. However, enrollment in San Francisco State Universities online programs is available to everyone.

There is no permanent faculty that specializes in teaching San Francisco State University’s online courses. Instead, courses are taught by both university faculty and community experts in their field. Courses are offered in four semesters, including fall, spring, summer, and winter sessions. Availability of financial aid is limited. Financial aid is only available to students who are admitted to academic certificate programs, enrolled in at least six units per semester.

The College of Extended Learning offers online courses within programs that include Education: Professional Development for Teachers, E-learning: Regulatory & Compliance, Holistic Health, Integrated Marketing, Multimedia Studies, Paralegal Studies, and Professional Communication Skills.

San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Some of the university’s top divisions include their film school, their creative writing program, and their biology program. Students in SFSU’s online programs have access to many of the resources available to their campus-based students, including an online library, bookstore, and career services department. Online course instructors hold office hours in which students can contact them by phone, email, or classroom message board.