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College of Arts and Sciences
BA in Philosophy
Philosophy promotes clear, systematic thinking that can benefit any profession. Ethically, it emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's views and of carrying on respectful dialogue with others. Most importantly, it helps satisfy the human need for understanding and the constructive use of intelligence and imagination.
About the Major
Our philosophy program is excellent preparation for a career in business, education, law, public service, management, and medicine, or for graduate school. You gain extensive training in logic, critical analysis, and creative problem solving, while having the flexibility to customize independent study courses based on your own interests and career goals.
Degree Requirements
Required courses
Take a look at some of the course requirements.
- Introduction to History of Western Philosophy
- Philosophical Writing
- Practical Reasoning
- Classical Philosophy: Greece and Rome
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Additional Requirements
It is recommended that majors take one or more years of a foreign language. Greek, Latin, French, German, and Spanish are strongly encouraged. Also accepted are Italian, Japanese, Hebrew, or Arabic. Writing assignments in upper-level philosophy courses will involve a minimum of 3,000 words of college-standard English.
For more information, and to see a complete list of additional degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Minor Requirements
You must earn 18 credits of philosophy, and two history courses, and three additional philosophy electives. Corse examples include:
- Introduction to History of Western Philosophy
- Classical Philosophy: Greece and Rome
- Classic American Philosophy
For more information, and to see a complete list of minor requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy students will:
- Exhibit knowledge of major figures, issues, and concepts in the history of philosophy and in its current state.
- Exhibit the ability to conduct inquiry through (a) reading both empathically and critically; (b) reasoning and argumentation; and (c) research conducted with appropriate use of textual, visual, online, and/or experiential resources.
- Communicate effectively in speaking and in writing.
- Exhibit growth in attitudes conducive to effective citizenship in a pluralistic democracy, including intellectual curiosity, appreciation of the complexity of philosophical issues, and desire to contribute to their communities.