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.
The philosophy program also offers a Concentration in Philosophy and Social Justice. This dynamic and interdisciplinary program allows you to count courses from the Africana Studies, Environmental Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies minors toward a philosophy degree. The curriculum synthesizes applied and theoretical frameworks for social justice. You will learn about the causes of inequality and injustice, as well as how to apply moral and political philosophy to these issues.
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.
Concentration in Philosophy and Social Justice
You take a minimum of 9 credits in a social justice area program (Africana Studies, Environmental Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies) and can count up to 15 credits from these courses toward the philosophy degree. This program is structured such that the philosophy curriculum draws on and supplements the empirical work completed in the three social justice area classes. If you are pursuing a minor in any of three social justice area programs, this concentration is a good option.
Examples of courses include:
Africana Studies:
The Study of the Black Experience
The Black Family in American Society
Environmental Studies:
Mind and Nature
Living in the Environment
Gender and Sexuality Studies:
Women’s and LGBTQ+ Social Movements
Philosophy of Love and Sexuality
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. Course 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.
Deja George
Philosophy, Politics and Government , '24
My interest in social justice and ethics is highlighted in my philosophy major, and my politics and government major will give me the tools to apply these interests in law and policy reform. The elements of critical thinking and social awareness coupled with an understanding of law and politics will help me to become a civil rights attorney that is able to best serve people who look like me.