Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


Academic Information

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.  

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy?

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.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Public policy
  • Medicine and medical ethics
  • Religion
  • Business

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Librarian
  • Attorney
  • Counselor
  • University professor

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


Overview

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:              

Contemporary Philosophical Work – developing the ability to read, comprehend, and intelligently respond to the philosophical work of our own time..  Students will: 
The Ability to Think and Write Clearly – developing the skills and disposition to recognize and use evidence and sound reasoning. This is the foundation of the discipline in philosophical discussion.  Students will: 
Foreign Language - graduates of the program must accomplish proficiency within a foreign language.  Though some languages are more common in the philosophical tradition (e.g., Ancient Greek, Latin, French, and German), an understanding of the difficulties involved in translation of any language aids philosophical comprehension.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


Details

Major Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts


Campus Availability

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