College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Philosophy and Religion:
The B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, covers most of the core subjects for the B.A. in Philosophy, including ethics, epistemology, metaphysics and the history of philosophy. However, unlike the B.A. in Philosophy, the B.A. in Philosophy and Religion centers on courses that address the religious experience and those areas of philosophy that overlap with religion. Central areas include Philosophy of Religion, World Religions and The Nature of the Religious Experience. This degree also gives students more opportunities to take elective courses in religion and religious studies.
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.
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy-to-follow semester-by-semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
Department of Philosophy
Humanities (HUM) Building, Room 388
Phone: (415) 338-1596
Email: phlsphr@sfsu.edu
Website: https://philosophy.sfsu.edu/
Chair: Dr. Mohammad Azadpur
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
Students should focus on completing their GE’s during their first and second semesters. If selecting a course for GE Area A3, PHIL 110 is recommended.
Perfect for careers in higher education, law, and public policy. Philosophy majors are among the very best in admission to law schools and even among the best in admission to graduate programs in business, medicine, and social work. We have field work courses in medical ethics and law. It is easy to double-major with Philosophy.
Students can double major and conjoin Philosophy with many other majors. Philosophy double majors gain an advantage in their educational and professional careers.
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.