Philosophy, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Description

Philosophy is the foundation for all other disciplines. As the questions are narrowed and the research tools become more refined, they break off into the more specialized disciplines we are familiar with today. In this way, philosophy aims at clarity of thought, constructing methods of justification, and the ability to communicate ideas

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Studies show that philosophy majors score significantly higher on the LSAT, GMAT and GRE. Philosophy majors also have one of the highest acceptance rates for medical school compared to other undergraduate majors. Students go on to Masters and PhD programs in Philosophy, but many philosophy majors choose careers in other areas such as: Pre-college teaching, Health and medicine, Law and criminal justice, Public relations, Government (e.g. FBI), Non-profit Organizations, Global Development, Managerial work in business and public sector, Consulting, Publishing, Editing, Research, Library and Information Services.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: critical thinking, writing, complex problem solving, clear and concise communication, agility of mind, and the capacity for continued new learning.

Admission to Major

No requirement other than good academic standing in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 121

Minimum hours required for major: 34

Minimum hours required for residency: 17

Major-Field Requirements

Pre-Law Track

Core Courses: 13 credits

Capstone Course: 1 credit

PHL 495 - Philosophy Capstone

History of Philosophy Elective: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)

Electives: 18 credit hours

Students must complete six other philosophy elective courses, at least two of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count one of the following courses from other discliplines toward the pre-law track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA

The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Ethics Track

Core Courses: 7 credit hours

Capstone Course: 1 credit

PHL 495 - Philosophy Capstone

History of Philosophy Elective: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)

Applied Ethics Electives: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)

Electives: 21 credit hours

Students must complete seven other philosophy elective courses, at least four of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count one of the following courses from other disciplines toward the ethics track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA

The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Traditional Track

Core Courses: 10 credit hours

PHL 332 - Symbolic Logic

Two of the following:

Capstone Course: 1 credit

PHL 495 - Philosophy Capstone

Electives: 24 credit hours

Students must complete eight other philosophy elective courses, at least four of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count up to TWO of the following courses from other disciplines toward the traditional track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA

The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Philosophy Honors Program

Students must complete 9 hours of honors credits AND do an independent research project.

The 9 honors hours can be met by:

taking honors courses in philosophy;
doing up to 4 hours of independent research or
contracting a philosophy course to make it into an honors course.

These credits can all be used towards the regular major, so this does NOT require the student to take more than the normal 34 hours.

Accelerated 3+3 Degree

The CSU/Cleveland-Marshall College of Law 3+3 program permits a student who has completed three years of undergraduate study to be admitted to the College of Law to begin J.D. studies. The undergraduate degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the first full year of the J.D. curriculum, thus permitting the student to graduate with both an undergraduate and law degrees in six rather than seven years of full-time study (or its equivalent). In effect, the first year of law school completes the fourth year of the undergraduate degree (serving, in effect, as undergraduate elective courses) and serves as the first year of law school. This arrangement saves both time and money for the student.