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Philosophy Major

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Think critically about the world and its complexities with the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Students in the Philosophy degree program study how the greatest minds explored life's most difficult questions. This 123-credit undergraduate program imparts analytical reading comprehension, writing skills and critical reasoning skills, three competencies valuable for an array of career pursuits.

Learn to use philosophical thought to examine knowledge, existence and values across multiple fields of study. Philosophy Major coursework covers contemporary philosophy, the history of philosophy, philosophy of race and gender, and pure and applied philosophy. Faculty members lead active research initiatives, and they are internationally acclaimed in the following key areas.

  • Aesthetics
  • Ancient philosophy
  • Early modern philosophy
  • Epistemology
  • Ethics
  • Feminism
  • Kant/post-Kantian European philosophy
  • Philosophy of language
  • Philosophy of race
  • Political philosophy
  • Pragmatism and philosophy of science

Philosophy Major with a Pre-law Emphasis

Philosophy BA students can choose to tailor their curriculum with an emphasis in pre-law. The curriculum lays the foundation for law school, with relevant coursework to help prepare students for the LSAT test and admission to graduate programs.Ìý

The Pre-law Emphasis curriculum includes the following courses.

  • Philosophy of Law
  • Pre-Law Internship
  • Pre-Law Seminar 
  • Pre-Law Tutorial

Undergraduate Certificate in Ethics

Illustrate to employers your commitment to ethical leadership with the Certificate in Ethics.ÌýUndergraduate students from any academic degree or minor can learn the concepts, history and methodologies of ethical reasoning.

Classes & Curriculum

Some examples of Philosophy coursework include

  • Critical Thinking,
  • Introduction to Logic, and
  • Metaethics.

Learn more about Philosophy Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Lewis Katz School of Medicine 

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

College of Liberal Arts academic advisors help you navigate your curriculum and potential career paths throughout your time at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.Ìý

Paul Crowe is the undergraduate advisor in the Philosophy Department.Ìý
Phone: 215-204-8591
Email:

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, contact the following staff member.

Belinda Wilson is the administrator in the Philosophy Department.
Phone: 215-204-0472
Email: 

The following staff members lead the Philosophy Department.

Espen Hammer is the chair.
Email:

Linda Wyatt is the coordinator.
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Philosophy BA program.

  • is an organization committed to the free and open exchange of philosophical ideas and resources. TUPS meets once a week on 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Main Campus.
  • is the Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium’s undergraduate online journal. It invites submissions from undergraduates and applications from prospective editors. Part traditional journal and part blog, Fresh Philosophy publishes philosophical writing by undergraduates from around the world.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience by immersing yourself in new cultures, histories and perspectives in countries such as China, Germany, Ghana and Italy, as well as at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Rome and Tokyo campuses.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information