College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy
www.kent.edu/philosophy

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Kim Garchar, Ph.D. | kgarchar@kent.edu | 330-672-0276
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Fully Offered

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers*

_*Note

^{Source of occupation titles and labor data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy gives students the opportunity to consider some of life's biggest questions, such as

• "What is the nature of reality?"
• "What (if anything) can I know with certainty?"
• "What kind of life should I live?"

Philosophy students read, discuss and analyze texts from all of the traditional philosophical areas of study and historical periods. They become familiar with contemporary schools of thought and learn about the application of philosophy to other disciplines and professions. The program familiarizes students not only with the Western philosophical tradition, but also with schools of thought from a broad spectrum of non-Western cultures. The Philosophy major provides intensive training in argumentative writing, careful reading and critical and creative thinking, while also broadening students' intellectual, cultural and personal horizons.

The flexibility of the major's curriculum allows students to combine it with other majors or minors, depending on their career interests. In this way, students can tailor their educational experience to provide excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine, technology, public relations, government, journalism, education, writing, editing, communications and social work.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campus to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Check with a regional campus admissions office to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 48 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Transfer Students: For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Read, write and think critically and analytically.
2. Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
3. Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
4. Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
5. Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
6. Demonstrate meaningful global literacy.
7. Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
8. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and of important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

One course from any of the groups must be earned with a minimum C grade to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.