San Francisco State vs. Cal State L.A.

[Golem]

Hey everyone,

I've been accepted to two master's programs, one at San Francisco State and one at Cal State, Los Angeles. Ideally, I would love to get my master's at one of these institutions and then move to a Ph.D. program in California.

I have fairly broad non specific philosophical interests ranging from political philosophy, to applied ethics, to metaphysics.

Basically, my question is: Which one of these schools is generally better received when applying to Ph.D. programs on the west coast?

Thank you all for your help!!

[CLANE]

This ultimately depends on your interests, since both are good programs (I myself, have been accepted to both, but will by opting for L.A.). I would recommend paying much less attention the the polling result you get here and look at the placement record of LA (http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/phil/placementrecord.php) and contact SF and ask them about their recent placement record for people with interests in the various areas that interest you (past five years or so... unfortunately SF is much less specific and transparent about their placements on their web site than LA; they only give you a laundry list of programs graduates have gotten into without telling you when or what their interests were). Second, you may want to identify professors at each department in your areas and check out some of their research and see who interests you most. Finally, contact them! See what you think from interactions and how they answer your questions.

[Harry Balsagna]

I got my MA in philosophy from Cal State LA in 2010. CSLA is great place to springboard into solid phd programs. I myself will be starting my PhD in the fall -- all thanks to CSLA. I have a good understanding of the program and I can answer any questions you might have.

[child's pose]

I recently had to make the same decision but mine was based more on the fact that I have a better impression of LA then San Francisco and LA is also cheaper to live in and I don't have to move as far. Also the application process for CSULA was easier ( for San Francisco I would have needed to get letters of recommendation and I've been out of school for a long time).

[PhilosoraptErs]

I was able to visit San Francisco State University's philosophy department and talk with students and professors. These were my conclusions:

SFSU's Philosophy Department, Overextended?

Edited May 27, 2011 by PhilosoraptErs

[Golem]

Thank you for the great responses! I made my decision, and I'm looking forward to starting at Cal State L.A. this month!

CLANE and child's pose, I'll see you all there.

[emm okk]

I believe things are really looking up for SFSU as far as PhD preparation is concerned, their students seem to be doing very well:

http://sfsuphil.blogspot.com/2012/01/philosophy-phd-acceptances-2012_30.html

Yes, it may be true that CS programs will be large and generally underfunded, however I think SFSU has set themselves up for some much needed improvement - and I think the next few years may prove this as well. We will see.

[emm okk]

Harry Balsagna, you mention that you went to CSULA and have began a PhD last Fall. Where are you doing your PhD? I am curious.