Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

The BA in Philosophy introduces the methods of philosophy in the context of engagement and contact with the world and its problems - from the personal to the global to the cosmic. A degree in philosophy prepares students for success in any field that values thoughtful reflection, logical thinking and clear communication about real issues and concerns, but is particularly valuable for careers in law, graduate study in philosophy, or in fields related to philosophy like critical media studies, public policy or science, technology and society (STS). Drexel philosophy majors take a mixture of historical and topical courses in the major fields of philosophical inquiry. These fields include ethics, metaphysics (philosophy of reality), epistemology (philosophy of knowledge), aesthetics (philosophy of art and beauty), social and political philosophy, philosophy of science, and logic. Our elective classes cover a wide range of applied subjects including technology, medicine, law, religion, science, the environment and more. Our upper-level seminars are discussion-driven, reading- and writing-intensive classes usually limited to 10-12 students. Prior to the end of sophomore year, students may choose to focus their philosophical studies in one of three concentrations: Ethical Theory and Practice Philosophy and Law Philosophy, Technology and Science Students may also remain in the general philosophy concentration, which gives them the widest range of options from which to select their courses. Prior to the end of junior year, students may opt to work on a nine-credit senior thesis. This is a yearlong, self-designed independent research and writing project, culminating in a defense before the program's faculty and students. This project consists of three one-on-one tutorials with a faculty member of the student’s choosing. The Bachelor of Art in Philosophy includes about 50 credits of free electives, which makes it possible for many students to double major.