Bachelor of Arts (BA) Major in Philosophy
An undergraduate philosophy degree will prepare you for myriad career options, from medicine and law to politics and communications.
The program's coursework covers the great philosophical minds of the West, from ancient Greece to present day, and provides an excellent foundation for graduate work that requires critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.
Why Choose GMercyU
GMercyU’s philosophy program will develop your critical thinking and other "soft skills" that are much in demand in today’s global marketplace. Our faculty will cover all the classical philosophers, from Aristotle to Kant, with a focus on major texts that have influenced the direction and content of philosophical thought.
As a philosophy major, you will:
- Analyze the primary philosophical texts from ancient civilization until modern-day and consider how those documents impact today's political, social, environmental, and economic climates
- Exercise, develop, and improve your debate skills so that you can form a personal position on a subject and defend it effectively
- Research and debate published literature while developing your own positions and opinions on topics raised during class and in reading material
- Enjoy maximum flexibility in choosing and scheduling courses, so you can tailor your education to meet your academic and career goals
Program Details
The root of the word philosophy (philos) means "love of wisdom". In the bachelor of arts in philosophy program at GMercyU, our faculty fosters a greater love of wisdom in all students, whether they major or minor in the subject. Courses in the philosophy program encourage you to question the ideologies and constructs that permeate modern society and to critically approach all aspects of philosophical methods.
As a BA in philosophy major, you take courses in ethics, metaphysics, and logic for a well-rounded academic understanding of philosophy. You also will take a capstone course near the end of the program. During this course, you will be expected to write a scholarly research paper that illustrates your understanding and application of philosophical analysis.
As a philosophy minor, you might use this coursework to augment your studies in other areas, such as pre-law and medicine. Whether you choose philosophy as a major or a minor, your coursework will focus on the Western philosophical epochs and touch on the philosophies of Eastern thinkers.
In addition to general education requirements, ba in philosophy students must complete the following courses:
Major Requirements – 30 Credits
| PHL 201 | Ancient Philosophy |
| PHL 202 | Medieval Philosophy |
| PHL 240 | Logic |
| PHL 305 | Contemporary Philosophy |
| PHL 313 | Modern Philosophy |
| PHL 4000 | Capstone Seminar |
| PHL | Electives (4) (200-level or higher)* |
| *Choose from the following options: PHL 207, 211, 225, 234, 250, 299, 308, 310, 314, 325, 330, 420, 430, 457, 439, 2000 | |
Credit Requirements
You must complete a minimum of 125 credits with a grade of “C” or better in the major for a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. See the undergraduate catalog for more information and course descriptions.
Undergraduate Minors
Increase the value of your BA in philosophy degree by adding an undergraduate minor that best meets your personal and professional goals.
Robert Clewis, PhD
Position: Professor, Philosophy and Associate Director, Honors Program
Did You Know? Dr. Clewis specializes in the philosophy of emotion, aesthetics, and Kant.
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Patrick Messina, PhD
Position: Associate Professor and Director, Philosophy and Director, Honors Program
Did You Know? Dr. Messina’s expertise is in the thought of St. Augustine and its influence on the medieval scholastic thinkers (especially St. Thomas Aquinas).
Read bio
With a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from GMercyU, you'll be equipped for a career in:
- Campaign Management
- City Management
- Clergy and Other Religious Leaders
- Direct Service
- Elected or Appointed Leadership
- Environmental Law-Related
- Foreign Service
- Fund Raising/Development
- Government
- Grant Writing
- Human Resources
- Intelligence
- Law Enforcement
- Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services
- Library Sciences
- Mediation
- Medical/Clinical
- Nonprofit or Public Interest
- Office Administration
- Policy Analysis
- Program Administration
- Public Policy
- Public Relations
- Regional Planning
- Staff Administration
- Special Interest Advocacy
- Student Affairs
- Training and Development
- Underwriting and Claims Management
- Writing/Editing
* Some of these careers may involve acquiring additional education.
* This is only a partial list and not meant to limit you.
Next Steps
If you've already earned college-level credits at other accredited institutions, you can transfer them to Gwynedd Mercy University. Submit your transcript and course description to the Registrar, who will determine whether these credits count towards those required for graduation. For more information, visit our Transfer Credits page.
In addition, we have articulation agreements with two area community colleges.
Delaware County Community College
AA history to BA history
Manor College
AA liberal arts to BA history
Have questions about GMercyU's admissions requirements? Our Admissions staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying to GMercyU’s Philosophy program.
Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510
At GMercyU, we strive to make a quality education accessible to all through financial aid, scholarships, and grants. As a military-friendly university, we welcome service members and participate in all VA educational benefits programs.
A bachelor's degree in philosophy will prepare you for a broad spectrum of career opportunities and graduate study. Get started today!