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Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy

Program of Study

The philosophy program covers texts and methods of inquiry developed by significant figures in the history of thought – from ancient philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, to early modern thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and Immanuel Kant, to recent figures such as Thomas Kuhn and Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Foundation courses focus on philosophical problems related to topics such as personal identity, human consciousness, moral dilemmas, religious belief, semantics, and logical reasoning. 

During your junior and senior years, you get to choose from advanced courses available including political and social philosophy, the philosophy of mind, biomedical ethics, ethical theory, and metaphysics.

To complete the philosophy major, you must earn at least 36 credits in philosophy. You will work with your academic advisor to choose courses related to your interests and career goals.

Required Courses

  • Introduction to Philosophical Problems or The Mind and the World
  • Symbolic Logic
  • Introduction to Ethical Theories
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • 17th & 18th Century Philosophy
  • Information Literacy in the Humanities

 

Elective Courses

Seven additional courses in philosophy that must include:

  • One upper-level course in historical philosophy
  • At least one 400- or 500-level philosophy course 

 

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options


You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Philosophy undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MA in Philosophy
This master’s program examines philosophical theories including ethics and knowledge in the topic areas of epistemology and metaphysics, history of philosophy, and value theory and philosophy of religion.


MS in Information Science 
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.

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Career Paths

Philosophy majors regularly earn higher LSAT and GMAT scores and higher GRE verbal and analytical writing scores than other majors.

If you're looking to earn a graduate degree in any area, the philosophy program can help you reach your goals.

Job titles of recent program alumni include:

  • Lawyer
  • Human capital manager
  • Political advisor
  • Public administrator
  • Marketing manager
  • Business executive
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careers

"The philosophy program was great preparation not only for the LSATs but for core aspects of my work as a lawyer. I learned how to read critically, synthesize information, and write clearly, which made my first year of law school less overwhelming. I was able to dive into a lengthy judicial opinion or law review article and easily follow the arguments on both sides of an issue."

- Daksha Bhatia, BA in Philosophy, '11

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Arts

The undergraduate program in philosophy helps students become accomplished critical thinkers and writers who are knowledgeable about the main areas of Western philosophy. Students learn to analyze both familiar and abstract concepts, to produce well-constructed arguments, to criticize the arguments of others fairly, and to express their ideas clearly in writing. They come to comprehend some of the most important philosophical problems, both as they have been addressed by great thinkers of the past and as they are examined today.

Learning objectives:

  • Students understand and recognize the significance of the history of philosophy.
  • Students understand the scope of philosophy and encounter material from its several areas.
  • Students are able to read philosophical texts critically.
  • Students are able to write clearly about philosophical topics.
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What Makes The University at Albany Great

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Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

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Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

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Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors
  • Acting
  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Bioethics
  • Biology
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese Studies
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice Studies
  • Cybersecurity
  • Documentary Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Film Studies
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity
  • English
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Game Design and Development
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Globalization Studies
  • Hebrew
  • History
  • Informatics
  • Instrumental Performance
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Journalism (Fully Online Option)
  • Judaic Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Law and Philosophy
  • Leadership
  • Legal Studies
  • LGBTQ Studies
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Music
  • Musical Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese
  • Pre-Education
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Social Welfare Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability
  • Theatre
  • Theatrical Design/Technology
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • U.S. Latino Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies