SFSU Department of Philosophy
SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy SFSU Department of Philosophy
 
 
Graduate Program in Philosophy

Important Dates for
Graduate Students

 

Advising, Program Planning, and Registering for Classes

Advising

Advising in the Philosophy Department is done on two levels. The first level is that of the Graduate Coordinator, Professor Sowaal, who acts as a liaison between the student and the University administration (the Graduate Division, the Office of Admissions and Records, and Student Services). Questions regarding University rules and regulations, forms and petitions, as well as matters of an official nature on a departmental level--such as the Master's Comprehensive Examination--should be directed to the Graduate Coordinator.


The second level of advising is provided by the instructors. Each student should cultivate a relationship with faculty in her or his area of interest who will ultimately be the chair of her or his M.A. thesis committee. The student should informally consult with this professor to help plan a proper graduate program, and should then meet periodically with the professor to make him or her aware of how that program is progressing.

Neither semi-retired faculty nor lecturers may serve as chair of your thesis. They may only serve as readers, as may faculty in other departments. Special paperwork is required to enable their participation. Eligible chairs are the following:

  • Professor Azadpur

  • Professor Hood

  • Professor Silvers

  • Professor Sowaal

  • Professor Ásta

  • Professor Tiwald

  • Professor Wilcox

Students are strongly urged to consult with the Graduate Coordinator and their faculty advisers at least once each semester.

The following advising schedule should be kept by new and continuing graduate students:


(1) For entering graduate students: In conference with the Graduate Coordinator, students will plan a complete program; that program will be recorded on a graduate record sheet that will be kept in the files of the Graduate Coordinator. Entering students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Graduate Coordinator during the Advising Day just prior to the start of the semester or no later than the first regular week of school during their initial semester.

(2) For continuing students: Students should meet with the Graduate Coordinator at the beginning of each semester in order to keep the graduate record sheet up to date. Students should also meet with their faculty adviser to report on their progress in the program.

(3) Students should consult with the Graduate Coordinator about when to take the PHIL 896 Comprehensive Examination. The exam is offered every Fall and Spring. In the semester takes the exam, he or she enrolls in PHIL 896 and meets periodically with their PHIL 896 examining committee in order to discuss their current preparations for the examination.

(4) Students submit the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) and a proposal for the Culminating Experience form (i.e., the M.A. Thesis proposal) after (or while finishing) 18 units.

The Philosophy Department realizes that many graduate students have jobs and cannot, therefore, meet with faculty advisers or the Graduate Coordinator during regular daytime office hours. Such graduate students are strongly urged to contact their adviser or the Graduate Coordinator by telephone or e-mail in order to set up a special conference time.

 

Class Registration

Graduate students should register for all classes through the computer. Information about registration (timing, fees, procedures) can be accessed through “MySFSU” on the campus website. Enrollment material is available for most classes in time for your priority registration date; however, schedule information and permit numbers for courses like PHIL 699, PHIL 898, and PHIL 899 will be made available during the first week of the semester.


    Last updated 2/1/08
SF STATE UNIVERSITY SFSU Logo