About the Department of Philosophy
Message from the Department Chair
Dear Students, Colleagues and Friends of Philosophy,
Welcome to the Philosophy Department at San Francisco State University!
Whether you are new to philosophy or a returning student, we are delighted to have you join our vibrant and intellectually engaged community. At SFSU, our department is committed to fostering critical thinking, rigorous analysis and thoughtful reflection on the most enduring and urgent questions of human existence.
Our faculty bring diverse philosophical traditions and research interests into conversation — from ethics and political theory to philosophy of mind, epistemology and philosophy of science, all throughout the entire global history of philosophy up to and including our present moment. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment that supports dialogue across cultures, perspectives and methodologies.
We offer two philosophy majors — Philosophy, and Philosophy: Concentration in Philosophy and Law — three minors — Philosophy, Philosophy and Religion, and Religious Studies — and our internationally-recognized M.A. program, which admits students from all over the world, including as part of the SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's program, which allows undergraduate students to complete both a B.A. and an M.A. in philosophy in just 5 years by counting 12 units worth of coursework towards both degrees.
Philosophy is not only a pursuit of wisdom but a practice of questioning assumptions, clarifying values and engaging in constructive discourse — skills that are now more important than ever. We encourage our students to take full advantage of the opportunities here: dynamic classes, departmental events, student organizations and connections to the broader San Francisco intellectual community.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our department with questions, ideas or just to say hello. We look forward to learning and growing with you in the years ahead.
Warm regards,
Carlos Montemayor
Employment Opportunities
SFSU, through its major departments, provides graduate students with part-time employment as teaching associates in courses related to your area of advanced study. The appointments usually involve teaching classroom and/or laboratory courses, assessing student performance, and tutoring students.
The total gross pay for a single course per semester equals $3,894, paid in six monthly paychecks. For your financial planning purposes, please note that the last (sixth) paycheck of fall is issued in August of the following summer semester.
To be eligible to teach as a GTA, a student must at a minimum:
- Be admitted to classified or conditionally classified status in a graduate degree program at SFSU and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better in all course work taken at SFSU while in post-baccalaureate status.
- If enrolled previously, is not on academic probation due to earning a grade point average below 3.0 in the immediately preceding semester.
- Be a degree-seeking graduate student in the academic department in which they are employed to perform instruction.
- Not be assigned to a course in which academic credit is being earned.
- Have thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject matter of the discipline in which the assignment is made.
- Possess the ability to communicate and relate well to others within the academic environment and the ability to instruct and constructively evaluate student performance.
- Be registered at SFSU during the term of appointment in a minimum of three units of course work directly applicable to the graduate degree (including courses for credit toward completion of the graduate degree offered through the College of Global and Professional Education), or be in a grace semester (has completed all course work the preceding semester and is working on thesis).
- Not be appointed for more than four semesters.
- Not hold a faculty or staff position at SFSU.
- All combined student employment at SFSU may not equal more than 20 hours per week. One GTA course counts as eight hours a week.
Please complete our graduate teaching associate application form.
Instructional student assistants assist our professors with class management. This includes facilitating group discussions, making presentations on special topics, holding focused group tutorials, managing assignments and grading, and individual tutoring.
Working as an instructional student assistant is a great way to:
- Work closely with a professor who specializes in a particular branch of philosophy in which you might be interested. Feel free to email any of our professors and ask if they are seeking an instructional student assistant.
- Make some extra money: You’ll be paid $19 per hour.
- Gain valuable teaching insights and experience.
A new application is required each semester. To qualify for employment, graduate students must be enrolled in four units (in graduate level courses), and undergraduates in six units. Yo may work up to 20 hours per week of combined SFSU employment.
Please complete our instructional student assistant application form.
Federal work-study employment is available throughout SFSU, helping you pay your way through university.
From Our Community
My experience at SFSU had a lasting impact on how I think and teach. The department encouraged open dialogue, curiosity, and a love for questioning — qualities that continue to guide me in the classroom every day. I’m so grateful for the professors and classmates who helped shape the way I approach philosophy and life.
- Aneesa, M.A., ’23