| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1961
Location: Rohnert Park, California (about 50 miles north of San Francisco)
Campus Size: 269 acres
Enrollment: Approximately 6,500 students
Mascot: Lobo the Seawolf
School Colors: Blue and White
SSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including:
Business and Economics
Science and Technology
Social Sciences
Education
Arts and Humanities
Environmental Studies
The university is particularly known for its wine business program, which is unique to the region due to its proximity to California’s wine country.
Green Campus: SSU is recognized for its commitment to sustainability.
Housing: One of the few CSU campuses that guarantee housing for first-year students.
Clubs & Organizations: Over 100 student organizations.
Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division II as the Sonoma State Seawolves.
The Green Music Center: A top-tier performance venue for music and arts events.
Wine Business Institute: SSU is the only university in the U.S. offering a wine-focused MBA.
Small Class Sizes: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1, students get more personalized attention.
Beautiful Location: Situated in Sonoma County, known for its vineyards, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
SSU offers 46 undergraduate majors across six schools:
1 School of Business and Economics
Business Administration (B.S.) – Concentrations in:
Accounting
Finance
Management
Marketing
Wine Business Strategies
Economics (B.A.)
2 School of Science and Technology
Biology (B.A. & B.S.)
Biochemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (B.A. & B.S.)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Engineering Science (B.S.)
Environmental Science and Management (B.S.)
Geology (B.A. & B.S.)
Mathematics (B.A. & B.S.)
Physics (B.A. & B.S.)
3 School of Social Sciences
Anthropology (B.A.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies (B.A.)
Geography, Environment, and Planning (B.A.)
Global Studies (B.A.)
Political Science (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)
Women’s and Gender Studies (B.A.)
4 School of Arts and Humanities
Art (B.A.) – Concentrations in:
Art Studio
Art History
Visual Studies
Communication and Media Studies (B.A.)
English (B.A.)
French (B.A.)
Music (B.A.)
Philosophy (B.A.)
Spanish (B.A.)
Theater Arts (B.A.)
5 School of Education
Early Childhood Studies (B.A.)
6 School of Extended and International Education
Various professional certificates and degree completion programs
SSU offers 14 master’s programs and teaching credentials.
Master’s Degree Programs
M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)
Executive M.B.A. (EMBA)
M.S. in Computer and Engineering Science
M.A. in Education (multiple specializations)
M.A. in English
M.A. in History
M.S. in Biology
M.S. in Counseling
M.S. in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
M.A. in Organization Development
M.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Public Administration
Teaching Credentials & Certificates
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (for elementary school teachers)
Single Subject Teaching Credential (for middle/high school teachers)
Special Education Credential
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
School of Business and Economics |
|
|
|
Business Administration (B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Economics (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Science and Technology |
|
|
|
Biology (B.A. / B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Biochemistry (B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Chemistry (B.A. / B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Computer Science (B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Engineering Science (B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Environmental Science and Management (B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Geology (B.A. / B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Mathematics (B.A. / B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Physics (B.A. / B.S.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Social Sciences |
|
|
|
Anthropology (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Geography, Environment, and Planning (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Global Studies (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Political Science (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Psychology (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Sociology (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Women’s and Gender Studies (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Arts and Humanities |
|
|
|
Art (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Communication and Media Studies (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
English (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
French (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Music (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Philosophy (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Spanish (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
Theater Arts (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Education |
|
|
|
Early Childhood Studies (B.A.) |
4 years |
$19,800 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
School of Business and Economics |
|
|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
1.5 – 2 years |
$19,800 |
|
Executive MBA (EMBA) |
1.5 – 2 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Science and Technology |
|
|
|
M.S. in Computer and Engineering Science |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
M.S. in Biology |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Social Sciences |
|
|
|
M.A. in Psychology |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
M.S. in Counseling |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
M.A. in Public Administration |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Arts and Humanities |
|
|
|
M.A. in English |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
M.A. in History |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Education |
|
|
|
M.A. in Education (Multiple Specializations) |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
M.S. in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) |
2 years |
$19,800 |
|
School of Extended and International Education |
|
|
|
M.A. in Organization Development |
2 years |
$19,800 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership (Offered in partnership with CSU system) |
3 years |
$19,800 |
Affordable Tuition – Lower tuition compared to other U.S. universities
Safe & Beautiful Campus – Located in Sonoma County, near San Francisco
Strong Programs – Known for Business, Wine Business, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies
Personalized Learning – 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio for better interaction with professors
Vibrant Student Life – Over 100+ student clubs and on-campus housing
International students can apply for:
Bachelor’s Degrees (Undergraduate Programs) – 4 years
Master’s Degrees (Graduate Programs) – 1.5 to 2 years
Check the for specific programs.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Admission Requirements
High School Diploma (Equivalent to U.S. 12th Grade)
GPA: Minimum 2.5 – 3.0 (varies by program)
English Proficiency: (Any one of these)
TOEFL iBT: 61+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 95+
SAT/ACT: Not required (optional)
Application Fee: $70
Application Portal: Cal State Apply
Graduate (Master’s) Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (Equivalent to a U.S. 4-year degree)
GPA: Minimum 2.5 – 3.0 (varies by program)
English Proficiency:
TOEFL iBT: 80+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
GRE/GMAT: Required for some programs (MBA, Engineering, etc.)
Letters of Recommendation (Varies by program)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Review SSU’s undergraduate or graduate programs on the.
Make sure you meet the program's academic and English language requirements.
Completed Online Application (via Cal State Apply)
High School Transcripts (Official, translated into English)
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.5 – 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Proficiency (any one of these):
TOEFL iBT: 61+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo: 95+
Passport Copy
Financial Statement (Proof of funds for at least $40,000 for one year)
Application Fee: $70 (non-refundable)
SAT/ACT is NOT required for international students.
Completed Online Application (via Cal State Apply)
Bachelor’s Degree Transcripts (Official, translated into English)
Minimum GPA Requirement:
2.5 – 3.0 (varies by program)
English Proficiency (any one of these):
TOEFL iBT: 80+
IELTS: 6.5+
Duolingo: 105+
Letters of Recommendation (Required for some programs)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Resume/CV (For MBA and some other programs)
GRE/GMAT Scores (Required for some programs like MBA)
Financial Statement
Passport Copy
Application Fee: $70
Each master’s program may have additional requirements, so check the department website!
Apply through Cal State Apply.
Upload the required documents and pay the $70 application fee.
Processing Time: Usually 4-6 weeks after submission.
Once you receive Form I-20, follow these steps:
Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350) at.
Schedule a Visa Interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Prepare Required Visa Documents:
Passport
Form I-20
SEVIS Fee Receipt
SSU Admission Letter
Proof of Financial Support
Visa Application Form (DS-160)
Tip: Practice common visa interview questions about your study plans, finances, and career goals!
Book your flight to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland Airport (OAK)
Attend SSU’s International Student Orientation
Arrange housing (On-campus or off-campus)
Get health insurance (Required for all international students)
Term |
Application Deadline (UG & PG) |
Semester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (Main Intake) |
April 30 |
Late August |
|
Spring |
October 31 |
Mid-January |
Fall (August) is the primary intake with the most program options and scholarships available.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
High school diploma (U.S. 12th grade equivalent) |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum 2.5 – 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) |
|
English Proficiency |
Any one of the following: |
|
SAT/ACT |
Not Required for international students |
|
Financial Proof |
Must show proof of funding ($40,000+ for one year) |
|
Visa Requirement |
Must obtain an F-1 student visa after receiving I-20 |
Note: Some programs (like Engineering, Business, and Sciences) may require a higher GPA or specific prerequisite courses.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor's degree (4 years) or equivalent |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum 2.5 – 3.0 (varies by program) |
|
English Proficiency |
Any one of the following: |
|
GRE/GMAT |
Required for some programs (e.g., MBA, Engineering) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Required for some programs (e.g., Psychology, Counseling) |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
Required for most graduate programs |
|
Resume/CV |
Required for MBA and some other programs |
Note: Each master's program has its own additional requirements, so check the department website.
Ranking Source |
Ranking |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked (Regional Public University) |
|
U.S. News & World Report – Regional Universities (West) |
Top 40 |
|
U.S. News & World Report – Top Public Schools (West) |
Top 15 |
|
U.S. News & World Report – Best Value Schools (West) |
Top 50 |
|
Forbes – America’s Top Colleges |
Listed |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) – U.S. Colleges |
Ranked in 600+ range |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD) |
Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SSU Global Excellence Scholarship |
New international undergraduate & graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Up to $5,000 per year |
Yes |
|
Sonoma State University Foundation Scholarships |
Merit-based and need-based scholarships for all students (varies by department) |
$500 – $3,000 |
Yes |
|
Business & Economics Scholarships |
Available for students in the School of Business & Economics |
$1,000 – $5,000 |
Yes |
|
Alumni Association Scholarship |
Open to all students with strong academic performance |
$1,000 – $2,500 |
Yes |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
High-achieving first-year undergraduate students with GPA 3.5+ |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes |
|
Department-Specific Scholarships |
Offered by different academic departments (varies by major) |
$500 – $3,000 |
Yes |
|
California State University (CSU) System Scholarships |
scholarships for CSU students, including SSU |
$1,000 – $6,000 |
Yes |
Facility |
Details |
Estimated Cost (USD per Year) |
|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing (Residence Halls & Apartments) |
Modern, fully furnished suites and apartments with Wi-Fi, laundry, and study areas |
$10,000 – $14,500 |
|
Housing Types |
Suite-style dorms, apartments with private/shared rooms |
- |
|
Meal Plans |
Required for on-campus residents, includes dining hall access |
$5,500 – $6,500 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Apartments and shared housing in Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
|
Green Music Center |
World-class concert hall for events and student performances |
Included in tuition |
|
Student Recreation Center |
Gym, fitness classes, indoor courts, rock climbing |
Included in tuition |
|
Library & Study Spaces |
24/7 access to quiet study rooms, research resources |
Included in tuition |
|
Technology & Wi-Fi |
High-speed internet in all dorms and campus areas |
Included in housing cost |
|
Transport & Parking |
Free campus shuttle, paid parking permits available |
$300 – $600 per year |
SSU has a close-knit community with around 6,500 students, ensuring a personalized learning environment. The student-to-faculty ratio is 22:1, allowing students to build strong relationships with professors and peers.
There are 100+ student organizations covering various interests like academics, culture, leadership, and hobbies. Some popular clubs include:
International Student Club – Connect with students from around the world
Business & Economics Club – Networking and career-building events
Gaming & eSports Club – Competitive and casual gaming community
Outdoor Adventure Club – Hiking, camping, and exploring Northern California
SSU offers a range of sports and fitness activities, including:
Intramural Sports – Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more
NCAA Division II Athletics – Competing as the Sonoma State Seawolves
Campus Recreation Center – Gym, yoga classes, rock climbing wall
Outdoor Adventure Programs – Kayaking, hiking, and weekend trips
SSU is home to the Green Music Center, a world-class venue for concerts, lectures, and performances. Students can enjoy:
Live music performances & theater productions
Art galleries showcasing student work
Cultural events & festivals throughout the year
Located in Sonoma County, SSU offers plenty of outdoor activities and a relaxed, beautiful campus environment. Students can explore:
Local wineries & vineyards (great for wine business students!)
Beaches & hiking trails within a short drive
Trips to San Francisco & Napa Valley (about an hour away)
SSU provides excellent career development resources, including:
Internship & Job Fairs – Connections with top employers
Career Counseling & Resume Workshops – Personalized support
Alumni Networking – Strong connections with SSU graduates
Additionally, international students receive dedicated support services like visa assistance, academic advising, and social events through the International Student Office.
SSU’s Career Center helps students with:
Internships & Job Search Assistance – Listings for on-campus and off-campus jobs
Career Counseling – Resume building, interview preparation, and career guidance
Job Fairs & Networking Events – Employers from industries like business, tech, and healthcare recruit students
Alumni Networking – Connections with SSU graduates for career mentorship
Handshake Platform – SSU’s job portal for internship and full-time job opportunities
Graduates from SSU find jobs in business, technology, education, environmental sciences, and the wine industry. Some top companies hiring SSU students include:
Tech & IT – Google, Apple, Cisco, Amazon, Keysight Technologies
Business & Finance – Wells Fargo, Bank of America, PwC
Wine Industry – Jackson Family Wines, E&J Gallo Winery, Constellation Brands
Healthcare & Biotech – Kaiser Permanente, Medtronic
Education & Public Sector – California Public Schools, City of San Francisco, Nonprofit Organizations
Salaries vary by major, but here are estimated average salaries for SSU graduates:
Field of Study |
Average Salary (USD per year) |
|---|---|
|
Business & MBA |
$60,000 – $85,000 |
|
Computer Science & Engineering |
$75,000 – $100,000 |
|
Wine Business & Hospitality |
$50,000 – $70,000 |
|
Environmental Science |
$55,000 – $80,000 |
|
Education & Psychology |
$45,000 – $65,000 |
Note: Salaries depend on job location, experience, and industry. Graduates working in San Francisco or Silicon Valley tend to earn higher salaries.
Internships are encouraged – Many students secure paid internships in local businesses and tech companies
Wine Business students get hands-on experience in Sonoma County’s world-famous wine industry
STEM students can apply for OPT & CPT work authorization after graduation
Category |
Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Overall Acceptance Rate |
92% – 95% |
|
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Programs |
92% – 95% |
|
Graduate (Master’s) Programs |
typically 70% – 85% |
Sonoma State University (SSU) is located in Rohnert Park, California, USA.
Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Avenue,
Rohnert Park, CA 94928,
United States
