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Dec 12, 2024
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Undergraduate Bulletin 2024-2025
Philosophy, B.A.
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Return to: Undergraduate Programs
Kate McCarthy-Gilmore, Ph.D., Associate Dean
General Education |
36-39 credits |
Major |
31 credits |
General Elective |
51-54 credits |
The philosophy major has a built-in flexibility which allows students to: double major and connect as closely as possible an interest in philosophy with a major interest in another area, and develop a more personal course of study in philosophy, tailored to a student’s individual interests.
The minor in philosophy is an ideal choice if a student does not have the time to pursue a major in philosophy, but nevertheless is interested in exploring life’s ultimate questions, if only in a preliminary way.
Student Learning Outcomes - Philosophy
- Understand the principles of critical thinking
- Understand the major philosophers and philosophical issues in the history of philosophy
- Understand the key elements of epistemology and the philosophy of being
- Understand the principle philosophical approaches to the human person and their respective responses to fundamental human concerns.
- Understand the key ethical theories and their application to ethical dilemmas on the personal, social, and professional levels.
- Understand the distinctively Catholic elements within Western philosophy.
- Be able to engage in critical reflection on the work of particular philosophers and on philosophical texts.
- Be able to synthesize the work of various philosophers and various texts.
- Be able to engage in cogent argumentation in support of a position.
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General Education Requirements
Requirements for the major in Philosophy (B.A.):
A one-hour oral comprehensive exam and a public portfolio paper defense (see the Philosophy Program Director for oral examination study guide and further details regarding the portfolio review) are required for Program completion; these are integrated into the Senior Capstone. Philosophy majors must successfully complete (with a grade of C or above) courses within the following categories:
What should be done to prepare for graduate school or teaching philosophy?
When seeking a solid preparation for advanced study in philosophy at the graduate level, as background for a particular profession or vocation, or as preparation for teaching philosophy, it is strongly recommended that (in addition to fulfilling the one-hour oral comprehensive exam and portfolio review requirements) the following courses be used to fulfill philosophy major requirements.
One course from the applied ethics group
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Return to: Undergraduate Programs
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