Penn State Penn State: College of the Liberal Arts

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy B.A. Major

You are here:

Philosophy B.A. Major

Philosophy B.A. Major

The Philosophy major is offered in a variety of options, including the following:

General Philosophy Option

This option provides students with a concentration in the history of western philosophy and in the breadth of questions, methods, and solutions typical of the discipline, including contemporary developments. It is designed for students who seek a rich humanistic education and those specifically interested in graduate study in philosophy.

Justice, Law and Values Option

This option provides students with a concentration in the philosophical study of ethical, social, legal, and political issues, from both historical and contemporary perspectives, and with both abstract and applied approaches. It is designed for students curious about social norms and values as well as those specifically interested in law school.

Professional Studies Option

This option provides students with a concentration in philosophical issues and dimensions in the theory and practice of the professions of agriculture, business, engineering, journalism, law, and medicine and health care. It is designed for all students seeking a foundation in the philosophical dimensions of these professions, including students who wish to combine humanistic study with career or further educational goals in these fields.

Humanities and Arts Option

This option provides students with a concentration in philosophical issues in the arts, art history, literature, languages, history and religion. It is designed for all students primarily interested in the philosophical dimensions of the arts, humanities, and cultural studies, including students with career or further educational goals in these fields.

Philosophy of Science and Mathematics Option

This option provides students with a concentration in philosophical issues in the life sciences, the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and technology. It is designed for all students primarily interested in the philosophical dimensions of the natural sciences, technology, and mathematics, including students with career or further educational goals in these fields.

Social Sciences Option

This option provides students with a concentration in philosophical issues in the social sciences, social and political theory, and education. It is designed for all students primarily interested in the philosophical dimensions of social thought and methodological and normative issues in the social sciences, educational theory, and public policy, including students with career or further educational goals in these fields.

Philosophy Minor

In consultation with a faculty adviser, students must take a total of 18 credits in philosophy, including at least 6 credits at the 200 level and at least 6 credits at the 400.