Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Philosophy:

Course requirements for a B.A. in Philosophy cover the core philosophical disciplines, such as Metaphysics (the study of reality), Epistemology (the study of knowledge), Ethics (the study of values and the good life) and Logic (the study of good reasoning). These core areas are not only interesting in themselves, they are also useful in reflecting on other things that we do; as a result, we regularly offer courses on topics in other fields of inquiry and practices, such as, Philosophy of the Natural Sciences, Mind, Language, Law, Art, Applied Ethics (e.g., Bioethics, Ethics at Work, Environmental Ethics, etc.), etc.

Philosophy is at least two and a half millennia old, so we have a number of courses that address its history (e.g., Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy and Modern Philosophy). We also offer courses on various individual philosophers (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, etc.) and non-Western traditions (e.g., Islamic Philosophy, Buddhism, Chinese Philosophy). SF State is unique in also addressing the cross-cultural dimensions of philosophy, regularly offering courses on philosophy in the middle-east and the far east (e.g., Islamic Philosophy, Islamic Mysticism, Chinese philosophy, Buddhism, etc.).

Minors is Philosophy:

The department offers minors in Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion, and Religious Studies. 

The undergraduates have an opportunity to become SF State Scholars. Once accepted into the program, SF State Scholars receive additional advising and can take graduate courses such that they seamlessly transition into the M.A. program. No GRE or M.A. application is needed. Entry into the M.A. program at San Francisco State presents the student with attractive opportunities, such as the Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence, student teaching opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and much more. Note also that students who are receiving as undergraduates the Pell Grant for their tuition often receive as graduate students the State University Grant (SUG) for their tuition. 

There is always a great deal going on both within the Department of Philosophy at SF State and in the greater Bay Area's philosophical community. (UC Berkeley, Stanford, University of San Francisco, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Davis among others are all within a traveling distance.) Below are some of the things happening at SF State right now, both extracurricular and for-credit. 

• SFSU MAP: Minorities and Philosophy (MAP) is an international, student-run organization aimed at promoting the past and present work of underrepresented groups in the field of philosophy.
• High School Ethics Bowl Coaching and Intercollegiate Competition (academic credit also available): For the past 6 years, students of the SFSU Department of Philosophy have been proud to participate as coaches for high school teams in the National High School Ethics Bowl program. Students have also competed on the intercollegiate team at regional competitions at schools like San Diego State University, Cabrillo College, and Arizona State University. In the coming years, the program plans robust development and new exciting opportunities. Rather than adversarial debate, Ethics Bowl is focused on using respectful deliberation to apply ethics to real life problems.  
• Philosophy and Religion Club: This club is in its very beginning. It will meet regularly to discern its focus and leadership. It should soon receive official status as one of the clubs sponsored by both the Department of Philosophy and SFSU’s Gator Experience. 
• Philosophy Club: The Philosophy Club is intended to provide a philosophically diverse society on SFSU’s campus and additionally aims at supporting students in achieving academic excellence. Club is a space that cultivates a supportive environment for those interested in studying philosophy at SFSU and other colleges or universities in the future. The role of Club within students’ academic careers serves to encourage students and facilitate the study of philosophy at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Furthermore, these efforts will be pursued with the hope of instilling a cultural appreciation for philosophical inquiry amongst the student body of SFSU.
• Mentorship Program: In this program, incoming students will have the opportunity to work with experienced graduate students in order to best prepare for higher education. Mentees will be able to learn about work expectations, helpful research sources, and all aspects of graduate life.
• Ask a Philosopher!: Roughly once a semester we host “Ask a Philosopher!” during which students are invited to ask a panel of professional philosophers any questions (related to philosophy) that they want. 
• Reading Circles: Our professors sometimes offer formal reading circles for credit, such as a reading circle on Chinese Philosophy. Additionally, students often form their own, informal reading circles on select topics such as Marx, philosophy of math and Heidegger, among others.