Overview

Key features

The Philosophy MA program offered at San Francisco State University develops students’ potential for independent thought and intellectual creativity. Philosophy students score extremely well on the admission tests required by various post-baccalaureate professional schools. A double major in philosophy complements and enhances other degrees, whether in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, or professional studies.

An education in philosophy is beneficial in almost all parts of life. Generally speaking, philosophical education is eminently valuable for careers that call for analysis and evaluation of problems, smart solutions, critical and creative thinking and writing, and powerful advocacy of one's beliefs and values.

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.

Career paths

A principal reason for the study of philosophy and/or religion is the enrichment of one's own life and understanding. Fortunately, the study of philosophy also is excellent preparation for a variety of post-baccalaureate professional studies and careers in law, medicine, public policy and strategic planning, the helping professions, computer-assisted enterprises, and innovative business and non-profit organizations.
The broader outlook and the ability to think critically about larger issues that are fostered by the systematic study of philosophy and religion are often highly valued by commercial firms in their management level personnel. Some students continue on to graduate work in philosophy or religious studies. SF State graduates now are teaching in colleges across the country. And opportunities to teach philosophy in K-12 have increased as educators realize the importance of enhancing children’s critical thinking skills. The philosophy and religion program is a strong foundation for the helping professions, the ministry, and advanced studies in theology. The skills that are achieved by minoring in philosophy or philosophy and religion are an excellent complement to most university major programs.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar in Philosophical Writing

Directed Reading in Fundamental Philosophical Texts

Being and Knowing

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Language

Philosophy of Mind

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Francisco, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 225 other Masters in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Hold the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree. If you were educated outside of the United States, you must have earned a degree or diploma that SFSU considers to be the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official determination of eligibility will be made during the application process.

Have the equivalent of a U.S. 3.0 GPA or "B" average. Your overall marks, average exam scores or average grade earned should be better than average or better than passing.

English language proficiency (international students).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9870 USD / year

≈ 9870 USD / year
Out-of-State

9870 USD / year

≈ 9870 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9870 USD / year

≈ 9870 USD / year

Additional Details

Out-of-State and International students must pay $444.00 PER UNIT in addition to the tuition fees

Living costs

San Francisco

United States

2206 - 4119 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

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About

Overview

Key features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Francisco

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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