Program Overview

Philosophy B.A.

Study ideas and arguments, pursue fundamental truths and seek a comprehensive understanding of the world. Develop analytical and communication skills that are important in many careers.

About this Program

• Find a home within Syracuse’s Department of Philosophy, among faculty from a range of backgrounds with expertise in fields like ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of race and the history of philosophy.
• Learn from visiting scholars who address such topics as human cloning, the ethics of war, the relevance of evolutionary biology to morality, and the deep connections between philosophy and diverse fields like psychology, economics, computer science and political science.
• Conduct research and submit your work to undergraduate journals and conferences.
• Join the Philosophy Club, a student-led group that meets for informal discussion, guest lectures and movie nights.
• Compete for the Peterfreund Prize, a $1,000 award recognizing juniors and seniors for their exceptional philosophical achievements.
• Prepare for a career in a variety of fields, including law, business, journalism, nonprofit work and government.
• Philosophy is ideal preparation for law school and has been shown to help students perform well on standardized tests like the LSAT, GMAT and GRE.

Program Information

• Degree Type: Major
• Outcome: B.A.
• Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Arts and Sciences

Curriculum

All philosophy students complete coursework in logic. Choose from course options in each of three key areas within the broader field of philosophy: history of philosophy; metaphysics, epistemology, mind, language and logic; and value theory. Before graduation, you’ll complete a required capstone course in which you synthesize your skills in philosophical research, writing and oral presentation.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Explain core philosophical concepts and theories and their historical development.
• Critically evaluate philosophical theories and arguments.
• Write clearly and concisely, effectively organizing your writing.
• Conduct independent research on a philosophical topic by finding, assessing and employing relevant literature.

Sample Courses

• History of Ethics
• Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Law
• Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy
• Hegel, Marx and Nietzsche

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Student organization: Philosophy Club
• The Philosophy Club aims to take philosophy out of the classroom by hosting informal discussions, guest lectures, movie nights, philosophy cafes (thought experiments and games with coffee and cookies), professional development workshops and more. Topics are based on club members’ personal interests, and membership is open to students from all majors.
• Student organization: Undergraduate Law Review
• The Undergraduate Law Review at Syracuse helps pre-law students expand, improve and publish their research. Topics have included politics, public policy, law, philosophy and economics. In addition, the organization features an online blog/journal, a printed edition and a podcast service.
• Research: Peterfreund Prize
• Syracuse University juniors and seniors are eligible for nomination for the undergraduate Peterfreund Prize. This $1,000 award recognizes keen interest in philosophical questions and outstanding work in philosophy courses.
• Hands-on learning opportunities: Aurantium
• Read about current student research in Aurantium (from the Latin for "orange"), our in-house undergraduate philosophy journal.

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