Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Philosophy - B.A.

COLLEGE:	College of Arts and Sciences
DEPARTMENT:	Department of Philosophy 320 Bowman Hall Tel: 330-672-2315 Fax: 330-672-4867 Web: http://www.kent.edu/CAS/Philosophy/

Resources:

DESCRIPTION:	The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy examines the ideas of some of the most brilliant minds in human history. Philosophy explores the larger questions in human life, such as: What can I know, and how can I be certain I know it?; What is the nature of reality?; and What kind of life should I live? By understanding the history and methodologies of philosophy, majors develop analytical and critical abilities as well as reading, writing, creative and problem-solving skills. Philosophy provides the relevant background and skills for successful careers in various fields, including law, business, religion, medicine, writing and editing.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:	Philosophy is not a specifically job-oriented major the way journalism or nursing might be. Still, students majoring in philosophy find themselves equipped with skills attractive to a range of potential employers. Students with a philosophy background are able to make fine distinctions, to follow and construct arguments, to express themselves well orally, in writing and to read demanding texts with depth and care. A Philosophy major or minor is not only an intellectually stimulating and rewarding course of study available at Kent State University, it is a great way to develop critical and creative thinking skills, an ability to read and comprehend complex material, and a facility with both creative and technical writing. These are skills that today's employers are seeking and which no employee can afford to be without. With a Philosophy major or minor, you are well prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. Interested in a Career in Law or Government? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform many other majors and all government and prelaw majors on the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)! (Source: Philip Handwerk, LSAC Data Services, Law Services Admission Council) Interested in a Career in Business? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform economics majors and all other business majors on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)! Interested in Graduate Studies? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform most other majors and all business, pre-law, and liberal arts majors on the GRE (Graduate Records Exam)! Philosophy was the only major of 57 reported to score a mean 5.0 on the Analytical Writing section of the exam. (Source: GRE Guide to use of Scores, 2007-08, Educational Testing Service)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	General Admissions for New Freshman: Students most likely to be admitted and succeed at the Kent Campus are those who have graduated with at least 16 units of the recommended college preparatory curriculum in high school, who have achieved a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and whose composite ACT score is 21 or better (980 combined critical reading and math SAT score). For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen. General Admissions for Transfer Students: Generally, a transfer applicant who has taken 12 or more semester hours with a college cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted. An applicant who has taken fewer than 12 semester hours will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records. For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for transfer students.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	Minimum 121 total credit hours and 42 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.00 GPA overall and 2.00 GPA in major required for graduation.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:	Yes
STUDY ABROAD/AWAY OPPORTUNITIES:	Philosophy students are encouraged to participate in the Kent State University study abroad programs. Further, philosophy students are encouraged to participate in WPNI – in Washington D.C., and the Columbus Program.
PROGRAM FEE:	None
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:	Philosophy Club
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:	M.A. in Philosophy: Culture-History, Ethics-Practice, Interpretation-Method