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Philosophy, BA

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Undergraduate Degrees
  3. Philosophy, BA

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: Yes
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Become a better thinker by strengthening your foundational skills, such as reading comprehension, and by developing skills in reasoning and argument construction. Studying philosophy prepares you to answer moral and ethical questions that relate to a variety of careers.

Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.


Program Description

The BA in philosophy teaches students how to think well, which in turn lays the foundation for personal and professional success.

Philosophy students learn how to structure arguments, write precisely and clearly, and communicate their ideas in an orderly, persuasive and unambiguous way. Many philosophical texts are complicated, and philosophy courses teach students how to read, comprehend and summarize conceptually difficult material. In short, studying philosophy trains one to be a better, clearer thinker.

Coursework includes the major subfields of philosophy, such as metaphysics, epistemology and ethics, and electives that connect philosophy to other areas of inquiry, emphasizing the social relevance of philosophy.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)

This concentration empowers students to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in solving critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. Graduates have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)

Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)

A new class of hybrid careers has recently emerged that combines digital media skills with marketing and design expertise. Become a global leader with both management and multimedia skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)

As ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices, managers and executives need new capabilities to transform global enterprises. This program prepares you for leadership roles in the global tourism arena.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)

As sustainability gains importance worldwide, global organizations need expert leaders and managers who can transform sustainability practices. Tailor your experience with powerful new strategies and tactics for making sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management

Global Management

Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)

Global Management (Public Administration)

Help meet the cross-sectoral need for professionals with public administration mastery and cutting-edge global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)

This concentration provides the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, students master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)

Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)

Global Management (Global Affairs)

Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)

Global Management (Global Business)

Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)

Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )

Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)

Global Management (Public Policy)

This concentration prepares students for careers as policy analysts and leaders in public service. Graduates around the world are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)

Engage in experiential learning and build your skills in global management and legal analysis --- all in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Website | Locations: DTPHX


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

Philosophy alumni are well prepared for leadership roles whatever path they take, whether in business, law, politics, medicine or education.

The analytical, rhetorical and writing skills developed through the study of philosophy provide ideal preparation for careers in a wide range of fields, including:

  • business
  • education
  • journalism
  • law
  • medicine
  • public service

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Business Intelligence Analysts

  • Growth: 35.2%
  • Median Salary*: 103500
  Bright Outlook

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Editors

  • Growth: -4%
  • Median Salary*: 73080

Intelligence Analysts

  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 151030

Lawyers

  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 64030
  Bright Outlook

Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders, All Other

  • Growth: %
  • Median Salary*: 0

Legislators

  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 48090

Software Developers

  • Growth: 25.7%
  • Median Salary*: 127260
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Students can explore a diverse range of cultures and philosophies through study abroad. Study abroad programs help students gain valuable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, adaptability and cultural competency, that enhance their resumes. With over 300 unique programs around the globe available to them, students can tailor their study abroad experience to their interests and skill sets.

More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education Office website. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in philosophy.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • SHPRSadvising@asu.edu
  • 480/965-8364


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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