B.A. in Philosophy

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fees: US$ 70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

San Jose State University (SJSU) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic and career goals. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. 

International Student Scholarship: SJSU offers the International Student Scholarship to outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable each year, provided the recipient maintains the required GPA.

SJSU Merit Scholarships: International students are eligible to apply for various merit-based scholarships offered by SJSU. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and may cover partial or full tuition fees.

San Jose State University Honors Program Scholarship: The Honors Program at SJSU offers scholarships to academically talented international students who join the program. These scholarships provide financial assistance and may also offer opportunities for research and leadership development.

College and Departmental Scholarships: SJSU's colleges and departments may offer scholarships specifically for international students pursuing studies in particular fields or disciplines. These scholarships aim to support students' academic endeavors and may have specific eligibility criteria.

External Scholarships: SJSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from organizations, governments, and foundations in their home countries. Some of these scholarships may be applicable to study at SJSU.

Privately Funded Scholarships: International students may also apply for privately funded scholarships and grants that are not administered by the university. These scholarships are often based on various criteria, such as financial need, academic performance, and community involvement.

Athletic Scholarships: SJSU's athletic program provides scholarships to student-athletes, including international athletes, who excel in sports. These scholarships cover tuition, fees, and other expenses related to their participation in university sports teams.

Graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University opens a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors. 

Law and Legal Services: Many philosophy graduates pursue careers in law, benefiting from their strong analytical and argumentative skills. They can work as lawyers, legal analysts, paralegals, or legal researchers. A philosophy degree provides an excellent foundation for law school, where graduates can specialize in various legal fields.

Education and Academia: Graduates can pursue careers in education as teachers or academic researchers. With additional credentials and certifications, they can teach philosophy at the high school level or continue their studies in graduate programs to become university professors, contributing to academic scholarship and teaching.

Public Policy and Government: Philosophy graduates are well-suited for careers in public policy, government, and non-profit organizations. They can work as policy analysts, legislative assistants, or public administrators, applying their skills in critical thinking and ethical reasoning to develop and evaluate public policies.

Business and Management: The skills developed in a philosophy program, such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, are highly valued in the business world. Graduates can pursue careers in management consulting, human resources, marketing, or corporate ethics, where they help organizations navigate complex ethical and strategic decisions.

Journalism and Publishing: For those with strong writing and communication skills, a career in journalism, publishing, or media is an option. Philosophy graduates can work as journalists, editors, content writers, or public relations specialists, where they can articulate complex ideas clearly and engage with diverse audiences.

Healthcare and Bioethics: Philosophy graduates can enter the healthcare industry as bioethicists, healthcare administrators, or medical ethicists. They play a crucial role in addressing ethical issues in medical practice, research, and policy, ensuring that healthcare practices align with ethical standards and societal values.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence: The growing field of technology and artificial intelligence offers opportunities for philosophy graduates to work as AI ethicists, data privacy officers, or technology policy advisors. They help address ethical concerns related to the development and implementation of new technologies.

Non-Profit and Advocacy: Philosophy graduates can work in non-profit organizations and advocacy groups, focusing on social justice, human rights, and environmental issues. Roles in this sector include program coordinators, advocacy officers, and grant writers, where they can contribute to meaningful social change.

Psychology and Counseling: Some philosophy graduates choose to pursue further studies in psychology or counseling, leveraging their understanding of human behavior and ethics. They can work as counselors, therapists, or social workers, providing support and guidance to individuals and communities.

Entrepreneurship: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit can start their own businesses or join startups, particularly in fields that require innovative thinking and ethical leadership. Their background in philosophy can help them navigate the complexities of running a business and making ethical decisions.