San Francisco State University / BA / Philosophy & Religion

Philosophy & Religion

The Philosophy and Religion degree program has some general aims similar to those of the Philosophy program; in addition, this course of study assists students in the exploration of the origin, nature, and structure of the quest for human meaning.

Apply Now

The philosophy and religion degree includes the study of the spiritual thought and practice of diverse groups, communities, and individuals throughout the ages. Courses emphasize the central importance of integrating diverse areas of knowledge and experience into wider visions of human community, reading and analysing texts, and developing skills for the disciplines of profound self-reflection and contemplation. Students will gain basic knowledge about diverse religious traditions and develop a deeper understanding of their special areas of interest. The goal of this program is to provide students with techniques and insights needed for rigorous examination of the issues, experiences, and concerns arising from religious quests for certainty, community, and social justice. The department welcomes students from other majors or programs who wish to examine their personal philosophy and religious beliefs and practices, investigate the philosophies and religions of others, or sharpen their skills as independent thinkers. Many of the courses offered are not only appropriate as part of a philosophy and religion major but are of special interest to students in other fields. These courses are designed to help students understand the theoretical frameworks, religious implications, and more abstract dimensions of the paramount areas of knowledge. Students interested in either the philosophical and religious understanding of a field of knowledge, or in philosophy and religion for self-understanding, should feel free to consult the department chairperson or an advisor on appropriate courses. The philosophy and religion major program include six units from related fields. This gives students an opportunity to integrate courses offered by other departments into the major, so long as those courses are substantially concerned with philosophy or religion and approved by an advisor. Undergraduate advisors are also authorized by the department to designate units obtained in other departments as satisfying unit requirements. Neither students nor advisors should view this as an escape clause which enables a student who has not quite satisfied the major requirements in philosophy and religion to do so. Units outside the department are to be designated for use in the major on the basis of 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 PHIL 110 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 and Religion requires a minimum of 40 units, with at least 31 of these units being upper-division. The program culminates in a one unit personalized learning outcomes course in which students reflect philosophically on their development of skills and knowledge. This learning outcomes course, PHIL 696 PHIL 696 PHIL 696, can be taken in either the first or second semester of the student's senior year. The program offers a great deal of flexibility, permitting individualized emphases in specific areas. Students majoring in philosophy and religion 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 six units of courses outside the philosophy department may be approved by a department advisor as elective units for the B.A.

Apply Now

Important

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.

International Year One

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

Key Dates and Fees

International Year One Key Dates

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 English Tuition Fees

Pre-Sessional costs vary by term and by the number of terms assigned:

Fall 2024: $5995/term
Spring 2025: $5995/ term
Summer 2025: $3995/term

Your invoice total will also include your University Pathway Program Costs.

University Pathway Fees

• IELTS 5.0 Entry: $28,500
• IELTS 5.5 Entry: $26,000

Example Bundled Pricing for International Year One

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

Philosophy & Religion

Key Facts

Degree Overview

Important

Study Reasons

Your Pathways

Key Dates and Fees

International Year One Key Dates

Pre-Sessional English Tuition Fees

University Pathway Fees

Example Bundled Pricing for International Year One

Apply now