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Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of Western philosophy. Courses in this program will enable students to explore the history of Western philosophy, logic, ethics, the philosophy of science, and the fundamentals of metaphysics and ethics.
Through the use of logic and argumentation, students will learn to think critically and objectively, write clearly and effectively, and navigate complex intellectual, social, and legal issues. This program offers three concentrations, such as ethics, the history of philosophy, or social justice. This program helps to prepare students for professional responsibilities often requiring a high level of analytical thought, in fields such as ethicists, instructors, businesspeople, or workers in organizations dedicated to social justice.
Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Examine the historical development and evolution of philosophy from its origins through contemporary times.
- Evaluate the various schools of philosophical and moral thought, as well as the historical context and the rationale behind their respective development.
- Apply logic by demonstrating the proper use of inductive, deductive, and abductive reasoning.
- Evaluate various criteria for justifying claims of knowledge and morality.
- Construct philosophical positions in various compositions and critically analyze philosophical questions.
- Apply philosophical inquiry to contemporary events.
Degree at a Glance
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General Education Requirements
30
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Major Required
21
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Select one of the following concentrations:
15
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Final Program Requirement
3
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Elective Requirements
51
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Total Semester Hours
120
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Degree Program Requirements
General Education (30 semester hours)
| Arts & Humanities (6 semester hours) 1 |
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Select 2 courses from the following:
6
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| Civics, Political & Social Sciences (6 semester hours) 2 |
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Select 2 courses from the following:
6
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| Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| History (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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| Natural Sciences (3 semester hours) |
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Total Semester Hours
30
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Major Required (21 semester hours)
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Contemporary Issues in Philosophy
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Metaphysics and Epistemology
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Total Semester Hours
21
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Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in History of Philosophy or Concentration in Society and Justice.
Concentration in History of Philosophy (15 semester hours)
This concentration looks at the five historical divisions in philosophy – ancient, medieval, modern, analytic, and continental and post-modern – to trace the evolution of principle theories and solutions to philosophical problems. Students who complete this concentration should be well prepared to advance to any graduate program in philosophy and be well versed in the evolution of Western philosophy.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Explore the ancient roots of Western philosophical thinking.
- Analyze how Western philosophy transitioned from being the "handmaiden of theology" to an independent tool of inquiry and understanding.
- Assess the place of Western philosophy during and after the Enlightenment.
- Examine important advancements and theories from both primary branches of current Western philosophy.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Total Semester Hours
15
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Concentration in Society and Justice (15 semester hours)
This concentration allows students to gain a general understanding of philosophy while facilitating a special focus on ethics and legal topics sufficient to prepare students to seek a career path involving any form of social justice. Students will review the ethics associated with biomedicine and the environment, the nature of law from a philosophical and sociological perspective, and ethics from either a business perspective or legal perspective. Students completing this concentration should be well equipped to discuss and analyze topics related to our ever-evolving political and social landscape.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Evaluate various moral theories as adapted and applied to biology and the environment.
- Differentiate the fundamentals of law from a philosophical and sociological perspective.
- Examine how ethics and the law shape modern, successful business practices.
- Examine the intersection between ethics and law as they impact our political and social environment.
Concentration Requirements (15 semester hours)
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Select 1 course from the following:
3
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Total Semester Hours
15
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Final Program Requirement (3 semester hours)
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Total Semester Hours
3
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Elective Requirements (51 semester hours)
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Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill requirements listed above. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
51
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Total Semester Hours
51
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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All literature courses require successful completion of ENGL101-Proficiency in Writing or ENGL110-Making Writing Relevant.
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Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment. Must be taken as the last course before graduation.