A two-year program leading to a Master of Arts in Philosophy. We admit students who have a B.A. in Philosophy, but we also admit students with undergraduate degrees in other fields. We have a strong core program for students who want to strengthen their preparation in the fundamentals of the discipline. SF State faculty members are active scholars and offer advanced students the opportunity to be involved in the development of new research in a number of philosophical fields.

Our program is flexible and accommodates students pursuing a variety of goals: as preparation for those seeking a Ph.D. in Philosophy, a terminal M.A. for community college teaching, or for professional or personal enrichment. In order to serve students who work during the day, we regularly offer graduate seminars in the evening. Under supervision of the faculty, students develop their own course of study suited to their goals. We have developed strong departmental relationships throughout the University and encourage interdisciplinarity in student and faculty research.

Department of Philosophy facilities include a Critical Thinking Computer Lab where students learn to teach using argument analysis software, a comfortable student lounge and a quiet library for studying or meetings.

In addition to all the events and programs that are happening around the department, we encourage and support our students’ participation in the broader philosophical community. We are also very proud of our students’ successes in their post-graduate endeavors including excellent records of gaining admission to Ph.D. programs in philosophy and related fields, securing positions teaching philosophy and putting the knowledge and skills that they acquire with us to use in building careers outside of academia.