The enterprise of philosophy requires sharpening the skills necessary for clarifying premises, uncovering presuppositions (one’s own and those of others), weighing the pros and cons of conflicting values, and analysing concepts and issues. Courses in Philosophy serve to develop and enhance these skills. Some courses concentrate on specific philosophical issues. Others provide an overview of an entire area of human inquiry or endeavour (such as the sciences, the arts, political theory and law, medicine, social justice, and how our minds, senses, and emotions work) or of the philosophical foundations that characterize a historical period.
The department welcomes students from other majors or programs who wish to examine their personal philosophy, investigate the philosophies of others, or sharpen their skills as independent thinkers.
Many of the courses offered are not only appropriate as part of a Philosophy major but are of special interest to students in other fields. These courses are designed to help students understand the theoretical frameworks, methodological presuppositions, and more abstract dimensions of the paramount areas of knowledge. 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 chair or an advisor on appropriate courses.
Undergraduate advisors are authorized by the department to designate units obtained in other departments as satisfying unit requirements in Philosophy for application to the Philosophy program. Neither students nor advisors should view this as an escape clause that enables a student who has not quite satisfied the major requirements in Philosophy to do so. Units outside the department are to be designated for use in the major based on their contribution to the student’s major program. To avoid confusion on this point, students should obtain written approval from an advisor before obtaining non-department units to be utilized in the major.
Students who have not taken PHIL 110 may begin the program but should complete this course or its equivalent at the earliest opportunity. Equivalencies must be approved by a departmental advisor.
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy requires a minimum of 40 units, with at least 31 of these units being upper-division. The program culminates in a 1-unit personalized learning outcomes course in which students reflect philosophically on their development of skills and knowledge. This learning outcomes course, PHIL 696, can be taken in either the first or second semester of the student’s senior year.
The program includes 9 units of elective courses in Philosophy, permitting individualized emphases in specific areas. Students majoring in Philosophy are urged to lay out a tentative program of courses with their advisors early in their tenure at the University. Depending upon the student’s area of specialization, up to 6 units of courses outside the Philosophy department may be approved by a department advisor as elective units for the B.A.
You may incur additional costs in the course of your education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year such as laptops, Stationary and additional resources.
The study of philosophy enhances a person's problem-solving capacities. It helps us to analyse concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.
Philosophy contributes uniquely to the development of expressive and communicative powers. It provides some of the basic tools of self-expression - for instance, skills in presenting ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments - that other fields either do not use or use less extensively.
Philosophy makes a central contribution to the educational enterprise through its demands upon intellectual activity.
The International Year One is the perfect pathway if you want a undergraduate degree from a UK, EU or US University but do not meet the requirements for direct entry.
The IY1 course provides an intensive combination of first year University subject modules with English language skills.
Following successful completion of the IY1 you will continue onto your second year degree study directly with the University of your choice.
Learn more about International Year One| Intake | Admissions Deadline* |
Arrival to SF State |
Program Start Date |
| Fall 2024 | Jul 1, 2024 | Aug 17, 2024 | Aug 19, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | Dec 2, 2024 | Jan 18, 2025 | Jan 21, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | Apr 15, 2025 | PSE: May 28, 2025
UP: Jun 1, 2025 |
PSE: May 29, 2025
UP: Jun 2, 2025 |
*Key dates for PSE and UP are the same except for arrival and program start dates in the Summer 2025 term, which are indicated in the table above.
Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:
Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.
• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000
| IELTS Exam Score | Pre-Sessional English # of Terms |
University Pathway # of Terms |
IY1 # of Terms |
Total IY1 Tuition Fees Spring 2024 Intake* |
| 4.0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $40,490 |
| 4.5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | $34,495 |
| 5.0 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $28,500 |
| 5.5 | N/A | 2 | 2 | $26,000 |
*The tuition list is current for 2024- 2025 and will be subject to increase each year.
*Prices of PSE terms vary for Summer 2025
Applying is easy. Complete the online application form and follow the instructions. If you have any queries please contact us.
Founded in 1889, SF State offers world-class academics, a diverse campus and an incredible location for students.
With around 27,000 students from all over the globe, international students find SF State a truly welcoming community and diverse place to live in.
SF State has been included in the Top 20 colleges nationwide for best location. It was also rated one of the most diverse colleges in America, according to Wall Street Journal’s 2022 College Rankings.
