Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

• Provides students with a broad humanities education and sharpens their analytical skills
• Complements majors from around the university, including those with a highly technical focus
• Coursework focuses on: History of Philosophy, Values and Normative Theory, Logic & Philosophy of Mathematics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Mind
• Areas of emphasis include: Law & Social Policy, Philosophy of Science, Ethics, and others

Program Learning Objectives

• To describe key, major developments of Western philosophy and explain the influence of these developments on a diverse set of Western institutions
• To describe and evaluate the relationships between traditional philosophical inquiry and recent scientific investigations
• To be able to formulate problems and solutions in sensible language employing tractable methods
• To be able to read a text for an argument, as well as summarize, analyze and evaluate these arguments
• To be able to construct an original argument that combines thoughtful insight with a demonstrated understanding of the relevant literature

Coursework

The curriculum of the major is designed to be flexible. Students take courses in areas including Values and Normative Theory, Logic and Philosophy of Mathematics, Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind, and History of Philosophy. You can learn more about the curriculum and major requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Philosophy is also offered as a minor, which focuses on the same skills as the major, but requires only five courses.

Beyond the Degree

Philosophy majors can go on to do...well, just about anything.

Students who major in philosophy (as a primary or additional major), go on to careers and graduate schools including:

• Law
• Education
• Marketing Communications
• Biomedical Engineering
• Journalism
• Government
• Finance

...and more.