Philosophy, B.A.

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Description

Philosophy is the academic discipline that challenges all assumptions and systematically studies fundamental questions about knowledge, existence, rationality, ethics, and the human condition, transforming how we think and live. The discipline includes subfields such as ethics (the study of what is right and wrong), logic (the study of principles of valid reasoning), epistemology (the study of belief and knowledge), metaphysics (the study of the nature of reality), and aesthetics (the study of beauty and art), while also engaging with questions at the foundation of other disciplines like science, mathematics, linguistics, and political science. Philosophy equips students with transferable skills in analytical thinking, clear writing, careful argumentation, and the ability to constructively discuss controversial issues and understand issues from multiple perspectives. In this way, studying philosophy prepares one to tackle complex problems in our increasingly diverse society, while fostering a deeper understanding of oneself, others, and the world.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

People trained in philosophy enter just about every career field. Core philosophical skills such as problem solving, effective communication, organization, and analysis are all highly prized by employers. With an undergraduate degree in philosophy, you may move into fields such as government and politics, business, public relations, and nonprofit advocacy. Philosophy majors also perform very well on entry exams to medical school, law school, and graduate school. With further training, you can pursue careers in medicine, law, information services, and academic research.

What skills are developed within this major?

Through philosophy, you will develop the skills to investigate complex issues and communicate your ideas and arguments clearly. Philosophical training involves developing a healthy respect for different perspectives, an ability to analyze complex texts and arguments, and engage with others civilly and critically.

Admission to Major

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

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 30

Minimum hours required for residency: 15

College Requirements

See college page for college requirements.

Major Requirements

Core Courses: 24 credits

Electives: 6 credits

Students must complete two other philosophy elective courses at any level.

Any course with the PHL prefix can count as a philosophy elective. Philosophy Inquiry Launch courses (INQ 110 - What is a Happy Life? and INQ 111 - Love and Sex ) can also count as philosophy electives.

GPA

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

Philosophy Honors Program

Students must complete 12 hours of honors credits – 6 elective philosophy credits and 6 related to completion of an independent research (writing) project.

The 6 elective honors hours can be met by:

taking honors courses in philosophy;
doing up to 3 hours of independent research or
contracting a philosophy course to make it into an honors course.

The 6 credits toward the independent research projects will include two semesters of PHL 497H - Honors Project .

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 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.