Overview

The Philosophy programme at California State University Long Beach consists of a minimum of 36 units, which makes it an excellent choice for a double-major. Most philosophy courses are GE-certified, which means that students can double-count their major courses for GE. There is also ample flexibility to shape the major to their particular interests and needs.

Learning Outcomes

Clear, coherent, and critical thinking.

Understanding of concepts of right, wrong, good and bad; understanding of moral principles and their application in everyday life. These skills are largely, but not exclusively, developed in our Values and Evaluation classes, particularly Ethics and Applied Ethics classes.

Ability to read and interpret philosophical texts. This skill is developed in all of our courses. Reading texts and interpreting them is fundamental to Philosophy. Most courses use a combination of primary texts, combined with textbooks and other literature. One of the principal concerns of our faculty is to make sure that students in the Philosophy major have a meaningful intellectual encounter with original texts.

Extraction, expression, and analysis of arguments in philosophical texts. Students must be able to extract arguments from philosophical texts. In upper division classes, faculty teach strategies and methods for extracting arguments.

Ability to state and explain difficult ideas and concepts. This skill is achieved through analysis, critical thinking, and student practice in class discussions, presentations, and argumentation. This is developed in all upper division classes in the major.

Development of writing skills that reflect careful attention to language, logic, and subtleties of reasoning. The Philosophy major is writing intensive. Students are taught how to write succinctly, clearly, thoroughly, probingly.

Ability to write philosophical essays that have coherent theses and reasonable supporting arguments.

Demonstration of an understanding of positions from different initial assumptions or theoretical perspectives.

Increased proficiency in research methodology. Research methodology includes learning to use the resources available for conducting philosophical research. It also involves learning the discipline standards for citation and bibliographies, abstracts, and prospectus writing. It helps students understand how to pick an appropriate topic, in subject and length, for various philosophical projects, including papers, presentations, and theses. This competency applies in upper-division Philosophy classes, especially where deeper research into a particular topic is required.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Early Western Philosophy

History of Modern Western Philosophy

Symbolic Logic

Philosophies of China and Japan

Philosophies of India

Marx

Pragmatism

Existentialism

Analytic Philosophy

Plato

Kant

Hegel

Wittgenstein

Metaphysics

Political Philosophy

Ethical Theory

Philosophy and Literature

Liberty and Justice: Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in American Law

Philosophical Perspectives on Sex and Love

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Long Beach, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 1000 other Bachelors in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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Other requirements

General requirements

All first-year student applicants must submit the following items:

File a CSULB application through Cal State Apply by the deadline

Have earned a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or "B'" grade according to the CSULB GPA scale.

Fulfil CSULB's English Language Requirement

Have completed at least 1 year of high school mathematics. Applicants to STEM majors must have at least 3 years of high school mathematics.

Provide scores for at least 5 subjects completed. In addition, please provide scores for at least 2 "A/AS" subjects completed.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

18972 USD / year

≈ 18972 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year

Additional Details

If you are not a resident of California, you must add $444.00 for each unit of credit you take to your tuition total.

Living costs

Long Beach

United States

1400 - 2000 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Long Beach

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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