Our Programs
San Francisco State University’s Department of Philosophy offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs designed to support diverse intellectual interests and career goals.
Students can pursue broad philosophical study across traditions, cultures, and historical periods, or focus on applied areas such as law, ethics, human rights, social justice, and public policy. The department is home to a nationally recognized M.A. program—ranked among the top terminal programs in the country—with a strong record of placing students in doctoral programs and providing exceptional training in teaching.
Additional pathways include multiple minors, an accelerated master's degree track that prepares students for advanced degrees, and a Graduate Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence, all within a vibrant academic community in the heart of the Bay Area.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy covers the core philosophical disciplines; Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics and Logic.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy: Concentration in Philosophy and Law
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy: Concentration in Philosophy and Law offers a focus on issues at the heart of law and politics, including the philosophy of law, political philosophy and a wide array of courses in applied ethics.
SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's
SFSU's graduate program in Philosophy ranked among the top nine terminal M.A. programs in the United States. It is a leader in placing students in doctoral programs and is distinguished among graduate programs in offering training and supervision in teaching. Philosophy SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's students will have the opportunity to move on more quickly, and highly competitively, to begin their advanced degrees in philosophy, religious studies, law, and public policy, while saving money that they will need to cover the costs of their professional degrees.
Philosophy BA + MA SF State Scholars Roadmap
Program Coordinator: Macy Salzberger, salzberger@sfsu.edu
Minor in Philosophy
The flexibility of the philosophy minor and the wide array of philosophy courses allows students to choose a course of study that best suits their interests and complements their major program. Students interested in either the philosophical understanding of a field of knowledge or in philosophy for self-understanding should feel free to consult the department chairperson or an advisor on appropriate courses.
Minor in Philosophy and Religion
The Minor in Philosophy and Religion lets you explore how religious beliefs and philosophical ideas shape how people see the world. You’ll study key texts, examine big questions about meaning and truth, and learn to think clearly about complex issues. The program fits well with many majors and helps you grow as an independent thinker. You can choose courses that match your interests and support your academic or personal goals.
Undergraduate Program Resources
Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Philosophy is designed for students wishing to extend their knowledge of, and competence in, philosophy; for students seeking a teaching career where the master’s degree is required; and for students who are planning to do further study elsewhere. The program is wide-ranging and flexible, enabling students to concentrate on a number of different areas within philosophy.
Graduate Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral technology in many areas (medicine, health, autonomous driving cars, business, loan approvals, law enforcement, distribution of government and health services, news filtering, etc.) and is often considered the driving force of a 4th technological revolution.