Existential angst? Metaphysical nausea? Ethical nihilism? Do you doubt the existence of your own soul? If you have these or any other philosophical symptoms, then the Cal State LA philosophy department is just the place for you. We specialize in solving and dissolving philosophical conundrums, and in engaging our students in doing it with us.
We have graduate and undergraduate programs and a diverse full-time faculty, with areas of specialization in ethics, political and social thought, logic, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, philosophy of physics, philosophy of art and film, philosophy of language, philosophy of religions, metaphysics, feminist philosophy, philosophy and race, biomedical ethics, existentialism, postmodern thought, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of mathematics.
We believe philosophy can bring us insight into the moral and political as well as the more metaphysical problems of real life. So, whatever your philosophical interests or needs might be—and whether you are a beginning student looking for introductory courses, or an advanced student ready for M.A.-level courses—we are here for you.
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why study philosophy?
it's transformative
Philosophers - literally "lovers of wisdom" - develop the general skill set for living excellent lives.
it prepares you well
Majoring in philosophy will prepare you for advanced degrees, including graduate programs and law school.
it pays
According to payscale.com, the median salary for philosophy majors is $108,400 by mid-career.
apply to our m.a. program!
Our M.A. program is one of fifteen terminal U.S. programs recommended in the Philosophical Gourmet!
Our students publish a journal annually: Philosophy in Practice.
• Recent Student Placement into Ph.D. Programs and Law Schools
Apply to join us! For fall 2025 admission, please apply by April 15, 2025.
Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students
For full consideration, please apply directly to the university through Cal State Apply.
attention alumni!
We want to know what you've been up to!
Please click here then complete a quick survey, thank you!
Please support The Cal State LA Fellowship in Transgender Studies
In a time of increasing precarity for trans and nonbinary people, this fellowship will . . .
- Empower young scholars and researchers in the field of trans studies at Cal State LA;
- Grow a diverse and mutually supportive community of engaged scholars and experts;
- Create positive knowledge to educate the larger community and help inform public discourse about trans and nonbinary communities and the challenges they face.
Please make a contribution by following these instructions:
To send a gift by mail, please make checks payable to the Cal State LA University Auxiliary Services, Inc., write "Transgender Studies” in the memo line, and mail to:
Susana Moreno
Cal State LA Foundation, Building 8381
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
To make a donation online, please click the link and follow the directions below:
Give Now
- Under "Donation," select the amount of your gift
- Important! Under "Designation," click the box containing "College of Arts and Letters" and select the pull-down option "The Cal State LA Fellowship in Transgender Studies"
If you have questions, please email Kevin Doody, Cal State LA Director of Development, at [email protected]
Thank you for your support! Your gift will help the university provide its students with a life-changing education!
Congratulations to Cyprus Marques for being awarded the 2023 Fellowship!
Faculty Spotlight
What is it like to be a philosopher?
Professor Talia Bettcher discusses her journey in life and philosophy.
Faculty Talk
Faculty Talk
