In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.”
This degree provides students with experiences and stimulations that generate thinking, feeling, questioning, and wondering. This degree is often seen as evidence of the ability to think in a disciplined manner and has served as a springboard for a surprising number of careers in business, law, education, art, and government.
Philosophy is concerned with the fundamental questions of human existence. Plato sets part of the agenda for the history of Western thought by arguing that the basic ideas needed to address these questions are truth, beauty, and goodness. Here, you will study the history of ideas to gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary problems stem from these age-old questions. At the same time, you will study contemporary issues in physics, biology, psychology, religion, art, law, and government. In each case, philosophy probes the limits of these areas of inquiry and examines methods used to improve our understanding.
You will also learn to read more carefully, think more reflectively, and write more clearly. These skills are vital to many different career paths. A degree in philosophy will give you the skills to enter traditional professions like medicine, law, the clergy, teaching, and business. Philosophy majors also perform significantly better, on average, than other students on entrance exams to law school, medical school, and MBA programs. In the final analysis, the study of philosophy will prepare you for a thoughtful life.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Philosophy is an on-going inquiry, often in the form of dialog and debate, always willing to deal with the most fundamental questions and to analyze concepts that are elsewhere taken for granted. The goal is to clarify basic aspects of our existence or our lives as lived in social, political, and physical worlds. The primary goals of a philosophical education are to instill a disposition to participate in this dialog and to sharpen the skills that make the participation productive. Philosophical thinking, writing, and discussion must be disciplined, well-informed, and open-minded. Thus, the mission of the Philosophy BA Program is to provide both a broad basis of information in which to situate the issues and the logical tools that structure the inquiry.
Student Learning Outcomes
The History Of Western Philosophy – having a good understanding of the historical origins of major philosophical ideas and styles. A shared understanding of the history of philosophy provides a common framework for discussing both new and ongoing issues. Students will:
This major requires 52 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Advisors in the Department of Philosophy will work with you to prepare for any specific career you might have in mind. Where it is reasonable to do so and with the advisor's and chair's approval, it is possible to substitute or supplement courses from outside philosophy to count in the philosophy major. These substitutions may not exceed a total of 6 units.
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam. (16 units)
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.