Master of Philosophy at San José State University

The Philosophy at San José State University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Philosophy

The MA Philosophy program is offered by the Department of Philosophy .

Advisors: Dr. Carlos A. Sanchez

Requirements for Admission to Classified Standing

Candidates must meet all university requirements for admission. In addition, a student will be admitted to classified status only if:

At least 18 units in philosophy have been taken including at least 6 units in upper-division work, at least 6 units in the history of philosophy, at least 3 units in ethics, and at least 3 units of symbolic logic (Phil 9 or its equivalent). Exceptions based on comparable studies and experience may be made with graduate committee approval.
The average grade received in the 18 units is at least a "B".
Three letters of recommendation have been submitted.

Admission to Conditionally Classified Standing

Applicants who meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate Division but who do not meet all the requirements for classified standing will be admitted as conditionally classified.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the MA - Philosophy

The basic requirements for advancement to candidacy for the MA Philosophy are outlined in detail in the Academic Requirements section. The University requires that all graduate students satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) as a condition for advancement to candidacy. For graduate courses that meet the GWAR, please refer to the Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations website at www.sjsu.edu/gape.

Completing Requirements

Plan A - Thesis

Designed for students who wish to do a thesis.

Plan B - Option 1: Reading Intensive

Designed for students who wish to do a guided, individualized reading project.

Plan B - Option 2: Applied Philosophy Project

Designed for students who wish to do a project.

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Philosophy at San José State University

Entry Requirements

U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or the completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited, and approved institution from a country outside of the U.S.
A 2.5 institutional or college cumulative GPA (from the 0.0 - 4.0 U.S. grading scale) in the last degree completed, or a 2.5 GPA in the last two years of full time study. Please note that individual program requirements may have a higher GPA requirement.
Good academic standing at the last institution attended.
English Language Proficiency Exam, if necessary.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Philosophy at San José State University

Application Fee 250

How to Apply for Master of Philosophy at San José State University

Submit an online application through Cal State Apply for desired term and program to San José State University. This step must be completed regardless of any extra steps required by your specific graduate program. You may only apply to one degree program per admission term. NOTE: Admission term can be selected on the Cal State Apply landing page.

For a step-by-step guide on how to complete the Cal State Apply application for SJSU, visit our International Application Tutorial [pdf].

Note: An application fee is due at the time you submit your Cal State Apply application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is withdrawn or denied and only used for the applied term. Fee waivers are not available at this time.

In order to successfully obtain an F-1 visa, you will need to correctly designate yourself as an international applicant planning to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa at the beginning of your Cal State Apply application during the “Complete Your Profile” section.

Select 'Yes' for the question: Do you have or will you require an F-1 (student) or J-1 visa (exchange) to study the California State University (CSU)?

If you mistakenly apply as a domestic applicant and intend to study on an international student visa for a program that is NOT currently offered to international students, your application will be withdrawn.

NOTE: Submit your Cal State Apply application per your legal name as indicated on your passport. Discrepancies in the spelling or order of your name will result in delays in processing your application.

Master of Philosophy at San José State University

San José State University

United States of America, Aberdeen