Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy, B.A.


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About the Program


Top reasons to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Arcadia University:

  • Preparation for careers in law, journalism, industry management, and more

  • Preparation for graduate school

  • Preparation for teaching

  • Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world

Simone de Beauvoir argued that the question we all must ask is whether we want to be here, and if so, under what conditions. Philosophy—the pursuit of wisdom—is a powerful method for seeking answers to that question.

Philosophy, as a discipline, has traditionally been a steppingstone to graduate school and teaching at the college level. A Philosophy B.A. is also an asset for graduate work and careers in law, journalism, diplomacy, civil service, as well as in industry management positions where complex problem solving and effective communication are valued skills.

With a variety of philosophical methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, students study the production and justification of knowledge, theories of reality and human existence, freedom and responsibility, and the status of values.

The Philosophy degree offers a balanced introduction to philosophy as both a theoretical and applied discipline. Effort is made to show the relationships of philosophical thought to art, education, history, literature, mathematics, politics, religion, science, and current events.

Study Abroad


Philosophy majors are expected to spend a semester or year studying overseas. Exciting opportunities are available through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies and are relatively easy to arrange. With prior approval, courses taken at foreign universities can be transferred to Arcadia to fulfill Undergraduate Curriculum requirements, including major requirements. A list of Philosophy courses that transfer is available from the Program Director.

Generally, the sophomore and junior years are the most convenient time for Arcadia students to study abroad, although the second semester of the freshman year and the first semester of the senior year are also possibilities.

Arcadia University has special arrangements with universities or runs its own programs in China, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, France, Greece, Italy, India, Ireland, South Africa, Spain, New Zealand and Tanzania.

Visit the University’s website for more information. Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Program Director and the Office of Study Away ((215) 572-8514), which is located on the first floor of Taylor Hall.

Requirements


Philosophy majors must take 48 credits in the designated categories listed below, with Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and additional electives to total 128 credits.

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