FAQ:
General

When are most of your classes offered? Is enrollment at the MSP possible for people with non-flexible, 40-hour work weeks?

Most classes are offered on week nights and weekend days to accommodate working people. As a result, many of our students work traditional 9-5 jobs while enrolled in MSP classes. We also offer daytime, weekday courses; in addition we offer the Digital Video Intensive, which is a full-time program held during the day.

How much course work is there outside of class?

The amount of homework varies from class to class. However, you can expect to spend approximately one to three hours outside of class for every week in lecture / demonstration classes, which would include reading and writing assignments. For hands-on courses, you should expect to spend three to eight hours per week in the computer lab or at home working on class assignments or projects.

What is a CEU?

CEUs are Continuing Education Units. CEUs are the standardized unit system for measuring achievement within the College of Extended Learning. 1 CEU is equivalent to 10 class hours, so a course that is listed as being 2.4 CEUs meets for a total of 24 hours.

Are MSP course credits/CEUs transferable to other SF State or 4-year degree programs?

No. CEUs are not academic credits, and they cannot be transferred to another program at SF State or other institution. Because all of our classes are based on the CEU system, and we are a non-matriculated, non-accredited program, your course work here cannot count toward any degree or regular academic program.

What kind of computers do MSP students use?

The platform upon which a class is taught is listed with the course description. The MSP has four Macintosh teaching labs, two PC teaching labs, and an open lab with Macintoshes and PCs dedicated for student homework and practice (see the resources FAQ).

When can I register for classes? What is the registration period?

Registration is continuous over the course of the semester. You can register for any individual class any time on up to the day of the first class meeting (if it's an afternoon or evening class) or up to the night before (if the class begins in the morning), provided there is a seat available in the class. You may enroll in a class after it has started by obtaining the instructor's signature on the registration form, provided the class isn't already full. For more detailed information about registering for classes, please see the registration page. Registration information is also available in the back of the CEL and MSP catalogs.

Is registration for classes based on previous experience or availability of seats?

Both. This depends upon the type of class. For most lecture/demonstration classes, there are no prerequisites although other introductory (lecture/demonstration or hands-on) classes may be recommended, so seating is based solely on availability. The hands-on courses may require only Mac or PC Basics (or equivalent experience) if they are introductory courses, while more advanced classes will require introductory or intermediate courses (or equivalent experience). But, ultimately, seating is based upon availability. Please note: The MSP trusts that students will not enroll in classes for which they have not met the prerequisites. If you don't get into a class you want, DO NOT register for a more advanced section (i.e., if you can't get into Photoshop II, don't register for Photoshop III).

How do I pay for classes? Do I have to pay for all of my classes ahead of time or do you have a payment plan?

CEL/MSP Classes are paid for on an individual basis. There is no plan or program for paying off your tuition. Tuition fees for an individual class must be paid before you begin your class. You will generally have 5 business days, from the day that you register for a class, to pay the tuition. If the class starts in less than 5 business days from the day that you register, than tuition is due the day before the class begins. If you register for a class on the day that it will begin, or after it has started, tuition is due at the time that you register for the class. For more detailed information, please see the registration page or the Registration Information section at the back of the CEL or MSP catalogs.

What do I do if a class I really want to take is full?

Using the schedule number for the course(s), you may check availability with Student Services every day if you like. When someone drops (or is dropped for non-payment) their seat immediately becomes available and can be added.

For a hands-on course, the TA will take the e-mail addresses (you have to have an e-mail address) of the first five people in class who aren't on the official roll sheet. These students may remain in the class for the first class meeting, but must sit at the back of the class room (not at a computer station, unless there are empty stations). These students may have a registration form signed by the instructor, which would allow them to add the class ONLY IF A SPACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. It is the student's responsibility to check with student services to see if any one has dropped the class since the first class meeting. Hands-on courses cannot be over-enrolled, so students will not be registered unless there is actually space available in the class.

For lecture/demonstration classes, students may come to the first class meeting and see if the instructor is willing to sign a registration form and add them to the class. Over-enrollment of a lecture/demonstration class is allowable at the instructor's discretion.

How do I obtain a student ID card?

As a College of Extended Learning student enrolled in the current semester, you are entitled to a College of Extended Learning student ID card. You can request a card when you register for classes, if you submit your registration and payment in person. Otherwise, to request your card, bring a photo ID and your student ID number to the Downtown Campus information desk. The student services staff member will then verify your enrollment and fee payment. Once this is verified, you will be given a CEL ID card valid for the current semester. ID cards are available at the information desk during normal business hours.

What is the ratio of students to equipment in MSP classes?

Hands-on classes are all one student per computer.

What are the backgrounds of people enrolling in the MSP?

Our students come from varied backgrounds such as: graphic and fine arts, film and video, programming, advertising, music, sales, and many others. The MSP has attracted doctors, lawyers, architects, theater technicians, construction workers, and a host of others. MSP students come from all ages and from all walks of life and from all parts of the globe. The diversity of our student body here is one of the advantages of this program.

Do you make recommendations to students as to what type of computer system to purchase?

Due to liability issues, for specific recommendations we refer students to the computer department at San Francisco State University Bookstore. At the bookstore computer department, staff are on-hand to answer your questions and help you pick the right system for you.

How do I get more information about the MSP – where can I get my questions answered?

MSP Information Sessions are offered once each month. Dates and times are listed on the events page. At the information session you will receive an introduction to the MSP and a brief overview of the certificates. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.