Informal Post-Baccalaureate Program
Overview:
Two informal post-baccalaureate programs are offered at SFSU, the 2nd-Bac Program and the Open University Program. In either program, the atmosphere is very supportive, classes are taught mainly by faculty, and tuition is reasonable. 2nd-Bac and Open U statuses are the only ways, outside of our formal programs, for student with baccalaureates to take course work at SFSU. SFSU offer all pre-requisite classes for health profession schools, and a large number of advanced classes. Our programs offer course work for admission to medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy and many other graduate health profession schools. Almost all of our pre-requisites are offered during weekdays; some advanced course work, usually in the form of graduate Biology courses, are offered on weekday evenings. Some pre-requisite courses, but few advanced courses, are offered during our shortened summer semester.
- These programs are suitable for those fulfilling pre-requisites (career changers), as well as those who have completed pre-requisites and are improving their academic profiles (academic enhancers).
- About two years of full-time course work is required to fulfill the ~40 units typical of medical and dental school pre-requisites. Additional time is needed for clinical exposure, preparation for national standardized tests such as the MCAT and DAT, completion of applications and conduction of interviews.
- 2nd-Bacs are officially considered "undergraduates". 2nd-Bac status has the advantages of pre-registration for classes during the Fall and Spring semesters, lower tuition, and consideration for financial aid. Most 2nd-Bacs do not complete their degree. Open U students are not considered "undergraduates" or "graduates". Open U students cannot pre-register for classes except during the summer, have higher tuition, and cannot be considered for financial aid. During the Fall and Spring semesters, Open U students apply for admission to classes soon after the classes have begun.
- Because most of our pre-requisite classes are offered during the day, informal post-bacs who must work find ways to do so part-time. We have about 200 informal post-bacs at any one time; they are distributed among different phases of the preparation and application process.
- SFSU welcomes California state residents as well as out-of-state and international students.