Philosophy - B.A. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy gives students the opportunity to consider some of life's biggest questions, such as "What is the nature of reality?" "What (if anything) can I know with certainty?" and "What kind of life should I live?" Our students read, discuss, and analyze texts from all of the traditional philosophical areas of study and historical periods, become familiar with contemporary schools of thought, and learn about the application of philosophy to other disciplines and professions. We familiarize students not only with the Western philosophical tradition, but also with schools of thought from a broad spectrum of non-Western cultures. A Philosophy major provides intensive training in argumentative writing, careful reading, and critical and creative thinking, while also broadening students' intellectual, cultural, and personal horizons.
 

Majoring in Philosophy will help prepare you for success, regardless of what your career goals are. Students majoring in philosophy develop skills attractive to a broad range of potential employers. They receive intensive training in critical thinking and argumentation skills, careful reading and analysis of texts, argumentative writing, creative problem-solving, effective communication, and global literacy. These important skills are vital in today's job market, and no job seeker can afford to be without them. Our 36-credit-hour major makes it easy for students to combine a Philosophy major with other majors or minors, depending on their career interests. In this way, students can tailor their educational experience to provide excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine, technology, public relations, government, journalism, education, writing, editing, communications and social work.

Interested in a career in law or government? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform many other majors, including 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, including 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)

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.000 major GPA.

A Philosophy major will help you to succeed in many ways. Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Read, write, and think critically and analytically.
2. Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
3. Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
4. Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
5. Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
6. Demonstrate meaningful global literacy.
7. Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
8. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and of important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.