Philosophy, B.S.

Visit the Philosophy and Humanities Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

Interest in studying philosophy begins with the desire to engage life’s greatest questions: finding the meaning of human existence, making sense of reality and our place in the cosmos, giving systematic form to our ethical and political intuitions, explaining the history of human ideas, and other equally significant problems. Often students wonder how the study of philosophy can provide the foundation for successful and meaningful employment. Contrary to popular belief, a philosophy major is one of the best preparations possible for careers in a large number of different areas. An article in the London Times rightly called philosophy the "ultimate 'transferable work skill'" insofar as it prepares students for a wide array of practical services. As a group, philosophy majors consistently score at or near the top on standardized tests, gain employment on graduation at higher than average rates, rank highly in median mid-career salary, and enjoy a well-earned reputation for rigorous thinking. In fact, the Association of American Colleges and Universities tells students, “[y]our specific choice of major matters far less than the knowledge and skills you gain through all your studies and experiences in college. In terms of jobs, employers don’t hire majors. They hire individuals with potential to succeed over the long term and add value to their companies or organizations.” The study of philosophy, one of the oldest and most rigorous disciplines, provides students with critical thinking, writing, and arguing skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive working environments.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester credits.
2. Overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above. (Departments may require a higher GPA.)
3. Residency hours--minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
4. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
5. Completion of 40 hours or upper-division credit.
6. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
7. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched courses.

Note: It is recommended that students planning on earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Philosophy take a foreign language, preferably French or German, in their Freshman and Sophomore academic years. PHIL 1200R Philosophy Forum, PHIL 2900R Independent Study, PHIL 2950R Directed Readings, PHIL 4000R Great Philosophers, PHIL 4920R Advanced Topics in Philosophy, PHIL 4500R Interdisciplinary Senior Ethics Seminar, and PHIL 4510R Ethical Theory Seminar can be repeated for credit.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Ability to analyze, evaluate, and construct reasons and arguments.
2. Ability to formulate and clearly explain ideas and arguments in writing and speech.
3. Ability to identify, understand and evaluate the basic content of some philosophical theories.
4. Express values of self-reflection, intellectual curiosity, and intellectual creativity.