Philosophy is the study and critical analysis of fundamental human concerns. It addresses questions ranging from metaphysics (e.g., what is free will?) to epistemology (e.g., what distinguishes genuine knowledge from accidentally true belief?) to ethics (e.g., what makes a society just?). Students in the Philosophy BA receive a broad philosophical education that includes coursework in all major philosophical subfields. Students will study a foreign language to understand primary texts in their original language and further hone their grammatical and writing skills. They will develop skills in critical thinking, argumentative writing, logical analysis, and effective communication. These skills prepare students for careers in law, government, business, public service, administrative work, or graduate school.
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 general 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 |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
Philosophy is the study and critical analysis of fundamental human concerns. It addresses questions ranging from metaphysics (e.g., what is free will?) to epistemology (e.g., what distinguishes genuine knowledge from accidentally true belief?) to ethics (e.g., what makes a society just?). Students in the Philosophy BA receive a broad philosophical education that includes coursework in all major philosophical subfields. Students will study a foreign language to understand primary texts in their original language and further hone their grammatical and writing skills. They will develop skills in critical thinking, argumentative writing, logical analysis, and effective communication. These skills prepare students for careers in law, government, business, public service, administrative work, or graduate school.
Student Learning Outcomes
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)
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following:
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 General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.