The study of philosophy offers students the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the diversity of visions that give life meaning. It also provides students with the intellectual resources needed to begin the lifelong project of crafting a vision of their own. Courses in the Philosophy Department encourage and enable students to ask questions; develop critical thinking, reading and writing skills; strengthen their ability to make decisions for themselves about issues that affect their lives; develop a historical understanding of texts and ideas; and experience the wonder and passion of thinking. Students who pursue a degree in philosophy emerge with an understanding of the major thinkers and central problems of the philosophical tradition, as well as an ability to analyze philosophical texts with critical rigour.

B.A. in Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts degree program is an excellent choice for those planning to pursue a future in counseling, law, medical research or business. This degree explores human values, life and death, philosophy of religion, symbolic logic, philosophy and film, philosophy and education, and philosophy and love.

B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) or B.S. in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6): Philosophy Concentration

If you plan to become a school teacher, you can combine your philosophy course work with education courses and student teaching. This degree program will prepare you for New York State Department of Education certification. You will acquire analytical skills that form the foundation of sound critical thinking and effective communication, which are essential to classroom management and instruction.

Degree Requirements

B.A. in Philosophy

Typical Program in Philosophy

A philosophy major must take at least 33 units among philosophy courses according to the following distribution:

Units

Philosophy majors are further encouraged to develop a coherent minor program by choosing at least 18 units in another area of study.

Typical Program for Philosophy Majors

Freshman Year Units
Philosophy 14, 25
Core requirements 12 units
Electives and correlated courses
Freshman Seminar

Sophomore Year Units
Philosophy 26, 31, 16 or 18 or 46
Core requirement 14 units
Electives and correlated courses

Junior Year Units
Philosophy 32, 43 or 44
Free elective
Core requirements 12 units
Electives and correlated courses

Senior Year Units
Philosophy 81 or 82
Philosophy electives 12 units
Two free electives

The Philosophy minor consists of 18 units in Philosophy, inclusive of any two courses in the history of philosophy sequence (Philosophy 25, 26, 31, 32) and any 12 units in free electives.

Philosophy for Childhood Education

Students in Early Childhood and Childhood Education may take their required liberal arts and sciences "concentration" (or major specifically adapted for them) in Philosophy. This program is designed to provide future teachers with an understanding of the leading historical movements and topics of Western Philosophy, as well as with the analytical skills that are the basis of sound critical thinking and effective communication.

Of the total 30 units required for Childhood Education students, 6 are to be earned by taking two courses from among PHL 25, 26, 31, and 32; 3 by taking PHL 15 (Philosophy of Education); and 21 by choosing any seven other courses in Philosophy. In developing their course of study, students should consult with both the Philosophy Department advisor and with an advisor from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Please note that Philosophy courses are included among the requirements and elective offerings of the following interdisciplinary programs for Childhood Education students: Humanities and American Studies.