Philosophy, B.A.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at St. Francis College offers students a dynamic and intellectually stimulating program designed to develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. These highly valued abilities prepare graduates for a wide range of careers—including medicine, law, health care, journalism, business, public service, and many other fields—as well as for advanced graduate study in philosophy and related disciplines.
Located in the heart of New York City, the Philosophy program challenges students to think deeply, reason carefully, and communicate ideas clearly. Through the study of classic and contemporary philosophical questions, students learn how to analyze complex problems, evaluate arguments, and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives—skills that are increasingly in demand in today’s professional world.
At the core of the program is a commitment to exploring the nature, purpose, and value of philosophical inquiry. Students are encouraged not only to study philosophical traditions but also to develop and pursue their own philosophical questions. The program emphasizes critical reflection as an essential tool for understanding the world and making thoughtful decisions about what is meaningful, valuable, and worth pursuing.
The B.A. in Philosophy is supported by St. Francis College’s strong General Education Program, the cornerstone of the College’s mission. This interdisciplinary foundation ensures that students graduate as well-rounded, intellectually curious individuals who are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to their professions, their communities, and an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Understanding College (FS)
Writing and Presentation
Mathematics
Information Literacy, Media, and Research
Creative Voices across Cultures
Science at Work
Ethics, Reality and Logic
Take a 1000 Level PHI course
Individual and Societies
Our World, Past and Present
Personal Wellness
Religion and Culture
Philosophy Major
Select two foreign language courses in sequence
Select two History HIS courses
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Early Modern Philosophy
19th-Century Philosophy
Select one of the following courses:
Existentialism
Twentieth-Century Philosophy
Select one of the following courses:
Authority and Law
The Good Life
Political Philosophy
Select one of the following courses:
Theory of Being
Philosophical Theology
Medieval Philosophy
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Formulate an understanding of the nature, purpose, and importance of the philosophical enterprise in writing and thereby engage personally in the activity of philosophizing.
PLO 2: Demonstrate respect both for reason as a defining feature of living as well as for truth and its pursuit.
PLO 3: Demonstrate critical thinking when considering issues in depth, when relating parts and wholes, when examining and assessing influential positions, when understanding the world of others, and when formulating principles for responsible actions.
PLO 4: Discuss major philosophical questions, which are none other than the fundamental questions confronting human beings as such, through the study of the views of philosophers belonging to many traditions.
PLO 5: Formulate understanding of primary texts from the history of philosophy, and the derived nourishment from them for one's own being.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The Philosophy B.A. curriculum combines a strong liberal arts foundation with in-depth study of major philosophical traditions and ideas. Students begin with the College’s General Education Program, which includes courses such as Understanding College, Writing and Presentation, Mathematics, Information Literacy, Media, and Research, Creative Voices across Cultures, Science at Work, Ethics, Reality and Logic, Individual and Societies, Our World, Past and Present, Personal Wellness, and Religion and Culture. Students also take an introductory 1000-level Philosophy course that introduces key philosophical questions and methods of inquiry.
Within the Philosophy major, students build a strong historical and global perspective by completing two foreign language courses in sequence and two History courses. Core philosophy courses explore major periods in philosophical thought, including Ancient Greek Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy, and 19th-Century Philosophy. Students further deepen their understanding by selecting from courses such as Existentialism or Twentieth-Century Philosophy, and from thematic areas including Authority and Law, The Good Life, or Political Philosophy. Additional advanced study allows students to explore metaphysical and theological questions through courses such as Theory of Being, Philosophical Theology, or Medieval Philosophy, providing a comprehensive understanding of philosophical traditions and contemporary ideas.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
⚖️ Law & Legal Services
You will analyze complex legal arguments, evaluate evidence, and develop strong reasoning skills that prepare you for careers in law, legal research, or legal support.
🏥 Medicine & Health Professions
You will apply ethical reasoning and analytical thinking to careers in medicine, healthcare administration, and medical ethics.
📰 Journalism & Media
You will research, analyze information, and communicate ideas clearly through writing, reporting, and media production.
💼 Business & Management
You will apply problem-solving, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making skills in areas such as business leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
🏛️ Public Policy & Government
You will help analyze policies, evaluate social issues, and contribute to decision-making in government and public service organizations.
🎓 Graduate & Professional Study
You will build a strong foundation for advanced study in philosophy, law, public policy, business, education, theology, or related fields.