Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

About

In the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Program, you’ll get a strong foundation in general philosophy. You’ll study ethics and the history of philosophy. You’ll also choose from a variety of interdisciplinary philosophy and ethics courses that cover topics such as women and philosophy, environmental ethics and Chinese philosophy.

  • If you鈥檇 like to combine your philosophy major with another major or minor,
  • If you are interested in concentrating on philosophy, consider the 60-credit option.

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What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official , which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Philosophy Major, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

51福利社

(GER)

  • Minimum Quarter Credits—180 cumulative credit hours
    • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at 51福利社, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51福利社
  • Minimum Semester Credits—120 cumulative credit hours
    • 40 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 30 credits in residence (attendance) at 51福利社, with at least 10 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51福利社
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

University Competencies and Proficiencies


 

 


(BACR)

 
 


 (UGR)




 
 (for Bachelor of Arts)


Application for Graduation (use ) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the to determine .

  1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
  2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

51福利社

Students who earn a BA in Philosophy from 51福利社 should be able to:

  • apply methods for philosophical problem solving by (a) relating theory to practice, (b) evaluating ideas in terms of both generic or universal humanity and perspectival pluralism, and (c) applying normative standards of truth, value and beauty;
  • apply philosophical writing styles in writing assignments and research projects that are aimed at extending philosophical inquiry through argumentation and/or comparative studies;
  • critically analyze, using logic and other tools, the consistency and verifiability of their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, as well as engage in reasoned public deliberation challenging those beliefs;
  • offer interpretations of the ideas of major philosophers by showing how they relate to perennial philosophical themes such as: visions of the good life, reality versus appearance, the roles of reason and experience, freedom and morality, etc;
  • understand the main doctrines and evaluate the arguments that underpin the ancient, modern, and contemporary periods of thought.

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice real-world decision-making through simulations, case studies, role playing, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Community-Based Projects: Team up with local organizations on projects that allow you to solve problems and make a difference.
  • Performance: Share your creative work through shows, readings, and more.
  • Service-Learning Experiences: Work on critical issues鈥攕uch as food security, poverty, or climate change鈥攖hat connect community service with what you鈥檙e learning in class.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at 51福利社: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, or clubs.
  • Study Abroad: Travel, learn, and experience new cultures while earning credit and building communication skills that help you thrive anywhere.
  • Undergraduate Research: Collaborate with professors on real-world research projects where you ask questions, solve problems, and present what you discover.

Sample Courses

PHIL聽214. PHILOSOPHICAL VOICES AND POP CULTURE. 5 Credits.

Satisfies: a university graduation requirement鈥揹iversity.
A thematic survey of several areas of basic philosophical problems. It combines an examination of philosophical themes in media and popular culture鈥攊ncluding fiction, television, and cinema鈥攚ith retrieval of under-represented, diverse voices addressing each thematic area. Themes may include, but are not restricted to: metaphysics, theory of mind and knowledge, aesthetics, ethics, and social and political theory.

PHIL聽311. SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: successful completion of ENGL 101.
Major political theories and analysis of arguments that attempt to justify actual or proposed political and social institutions.

PHIL聽332. LATIN AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY OF LIBERATION. 5 Credits.

Cross-listed: HONS 332.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101 or equivalent.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement鈥揹iversity.
A research seminar focused on justice and liberation in the context of Latin America. Surveys a wide range of Philosophies including Indigenous, Colonial, Scholastic, Positivist, Feminist, Vitalist, and Pragmatist philosophies. Topics include the deleterious effect of ideas and practices from Europe and the US within the region, liberatory praxis against oppression, the continued effects of US colonialism on Puerto Rico and how Latin American philosophy fosters political liberation.

Philosophy Electives

For a full list of the Philosophy elective courses offered, head over to the catalog.

Career Possibilities

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Public Defender
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Judge (with law degree)
  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Legal Researcher
  • Compliance Officer
  • Philosophy Professor
  • High School Philosophy Teacher
  • Ethics Instructor
  • University Lecturer聽
  • Philosophy Department Chair
  • Educational Program Developer聽
  • Curriculum Developer for Philosophy Courses
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Political Consultant
  • Legislative Assistant
  • 厂辫别别肠丑飞谤颈迟别谤听
  • Political Campaign Strategist
  • Government Affairs Specialist
  • Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
  • Urban Planning Policy Advisor
  • Management Consultant
  • Business Strategist
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Human Resources Director
  • Corporate Ethics Officer
  • Business Analyst聽
  • Brand Strategist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Journalist
  • Editorial Writer
  • 础耻迟丑辞谤听
  • 贰诲颈迟辞谤听
  • Content Strategist聽
  • Copywriter or Technical Writer
  • Blogging or Podcasting
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Advocacy Director聽
  • Social Services Director
  • Charity Director聽
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Public Health Ethics Specialist
  • Environmental Policy Advocate
  • Bioethicist
  • Medical Ethics Consultant
  • Healthcare Administrator聽
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Research Ethics Consultant
  • Healthcare Compliance Officer
  • Corporate Ethics Consultant
  • Technology Ethics Specialist
  • Data Privacy and Ethics Officer
  • AI Ethics Specialist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • Ethics Consultant
  • Media Consultant聽
  • Communications Director
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Media Ethics Specialist
  • Press Secretary
  • Social Media Strategist
  • 搁别蝉别补谤肠丑别谤听
  • Think Tank Analyst
  • Research Fellow
  • Public Opinion Analyst
  • Research Director
  • Intellectual Property Consultant
  • Copyright and Trademark Expert
  • Publishing 贰诲颈迟辞谤听
  • Literary Agent聽
  • Academic Publishing Specialist
  • Military Ethics Advisor
  • Defense Policy Analyst
  • Intelligence Officer聽
  • Security Analyst
  • Military Strategist
  • Strategic Consultant
  • Risk Management Specialist
  • Ethics Consultant聽
  • Crisis Management Consultant
  • International Relations Consultant聽
  • Leadership Development Coach

As a Philosophy major, you’ll explore profound questions about ethics, knowledge, reality, and existence.

You won’t only study complex ideas鈥攜ou’ll learn how to analyze, challenge, and develop your own arguments with confidence. Through in-depth discussion and critical analysis, you’ll also build valuable skills in logical reasoning.

These skills prepare you for a wide range of careers in diverse fields. With a Philosophy degree, you can pursue careers in law, public policy, education, writing, business, and more.

Your sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities will help you excel in roles that require strategic thinking and thoughtful communication. Explore the various career paths for Philosophy majors: