Philosophy, B.A.

About the Degree

• Preparation for graduate school
• Preparation for teaching
• Preparation for careers in law, journalism, and more
• Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world

Philosophy—the pursuit of wisdom—traditionally has been a steppingstone to graduate school and teaching at the college level. A major in Philosophy is also an asset for graduate work in law, journalism, diplomacy, civil service and management.

Students study methods of philosophical inquiry, the nature of knowledge, theories of reality and human nature, freedom and determinism, 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, 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 and Religion courses that transfer is available from the Chair of the Department.

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 also are 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 Department Chair and the Associate Dean of International Affairs.

Requirements

(32 credits as listed below, plus Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and electives to total 128)