An undergraduate philosophy degree will prepare you for myriad career options, from medicine and law to politics and communications.
The program's coursework covers the great philosophical minds of the West, from ancient Greece to present day, and provides an excellent foundation for graduate work that requires critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.
GMercyU’s philosophy program will develop your critical thinking and other "soft skills" that are much in demand in today’s global marketplace. Our faculty will cover all the classical philosophers, from Aristotle to Kant, with a focus on major texts that have influenced the direction and content of philosophical thought.
As a philosophy major, you will:
Analyze the primary philosophical texts from ancient civilization until modern-day and consider how those documents impact today's political, social, environmental, and economic climates
Exercise, develop, and improve your debate skills so that you can form a personal position on a subject and defend it effectively
Research and debate published literature while developing your own positions and opinions on topics raised during class and in reading material
Enjoy maximum flexibility in choosing and scheduling courses, so you can tailor your education to meet your academic and career goals
The root of the word philosophy (philos) means "love of wisdom". In the bachelor of arts in philosophy program at GMercyU, our faculty fosters a greater love of wisdom in all students, whether they major or minor in the subject. Courses in the philosophy program encourage you to question the ideologies and constructs that permeate modern society and to critically approach all aspects of philosophical methods.
As a BA in philosophy major, you take courses in ethics, metaphysics, and logic for a well-rounded academic understanding of philosophy. You also will take a capstone course near the end of the program. During this course, you will be expected to write a scholarly research paper that illustrates your understanding and application of philosophical analysis.
As a philosophy minor, you might use this coursework to augment your studies in other areas, such as pre-law and medicine. Whether you choose philosophy as a major or a minor, your coursework will focus on the Western philosophical epochs and touch on the philosophies of Eastern thinkers.
In addition to general education requirements, ba in philosophy students must complete the following courses:
Major Requirements – 30 Credits
PHL 201
Ancient Philosophy
PHL 202
Medieval Philosophy
PHL 240
Logic
PHL 305
Contemporary Philosophy
PHL 313
Modern Philosophy
PHL
Electives (4) (200-level or higher)*
*Choose from the following options: PHL 207, 211, 225, 234, 250, 299, 308, 310, 314, 325, 330, 420, 430, 457, 439
Credit Requirements
You must complete a minimum of 125 credits with a grade of “C” or better in the major for a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. See the undergraduate catalog for more information and course descriptions.
Undergraduate Minors
Increase the value of your BA in philosophy degree by adding an undergraduate minor. GMercyU offers a wide variety of minors so you can choose the one that best meets your personal and professional goals.
Position: Professor, Philosophy and Associate Director, Honors Program Did You Know? Dr. Clewis specializes in the philosophy of emotion, aesthetics, and Kant.
Position: Assistant Professor, Philosophy and Associate Director, Honors Program Did You Know? Dr. Messina’s expertise is in the thought of St. Augustine and its influence on the medieval scholastic thinkers (especially St. Thomas Aquinas).
