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Hall of Letters
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy program will engage you in profound ideas across Western and nonwestern traditions, while serving as a pre-law program and preparing you for your career.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
PhilosophySchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a philosophy degree?
The philosophy degree explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and reason. In the program, you will study various philosophical traditions in courses that foster critical thinking, argumentation skills, and an appreciation for complex ideas. You will be encouraged to explore intellectual curiosity and engage with timeless philosophical inquiries.
Why should you major in philosophy at Redlands?
Majoring in philosophy at Redlands will enhance your logical and analytical thinking. You will develop skills and habits through study and use your knowledge in various professional and career pursuits. You will enrich and enhance your capacities for self-reflection, creative and critical thinking, and responsible citizenship. While serving as a pre-law program, the Philosophy program will also help you prepare for working in corporations, the legal profession, teaching, government service, and a variety of self-created opportunities.
Classes you'll take
The philosophy major consists of eight courses in philosophy, or seven courses in philosophy and one (only) of the following courses: POLI 150 Foundations of Political Theory POLI 212 Classical Political Thought or POLI 214 Modern Political Thought, POLI 461 Queer Phenomenologies or EVST 277, Environmental Justice.
To view specific classes, program requirements, and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Required Courses (4 courses/15-16 credits):
- PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHIL 102 Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
- PHIL 460 or PHIL 470 (as Capstone)*
- One course in philosophy at 300 level.
Electives: 4 courses (15-16 credits):
- Any 4 additional PHIL courses or 3 additional PHIL courses plus one of the following courses: POLI 150, POLI 212, POLI 214, POLI 461, or EVST 213 (as stated above).
*The Capstone Experience
- The capstone requirement is fulfilled by completing a major writing assignment in an Advanced Seminar (PHIL 460) during a student's senior year. During the fall semester all seniors should enroll in PHIL 460 (4 credits) or PHIL 470 (Directed Study 3-4 credits when PHIL 460 is not available). There are two options for completing the senior project through PHIL 470: (1) a portfolio (3-4 collected philosophy class papers and a reflective essay about the student's progress in Philosophy through the UG years), or (2) a thesis developed from a previously written paper for a philosophy class.
Minor in philosophy
Minoring in Philosophy at Redlands will allow you to explore philosophical questions and ideas while pursuing a major in your primary academic interest. To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Required courses
Complete ALL of the following courses:
- PHIL100 - Introduction to Philosophy
- PHIL102 - Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
Complete at least 3 courses in the following course sets:
- Philosophy - All
- 3 additional PHIL courses, with at least 2 above the 100-level
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
You will learn how to analyze philosophical arguments, describe arguments and theories accurately, identify potential criticisms of arguments and theories, demonstrate competency working with formal logics, and evaluate arguments in such a way as to make a case for a position.
You will gain an understanding of representative philosophers, ideas, controversies, theories, and problems from a historical period within the Western tradition and with a non-Western tradition. You will learn to interpret primary texts accurately and fairly. You will know how to accurately describe and lucidly discuss philosophical problems, ideas, or theories, from the history of philosophy.
You will learn how to apply ideas and arguments from philosophical discussions of metaphysics/epistemology and ethics to problems that face individuals, communities, or governments in the contemporary world.
You will have the opportunity to study abroad and develop a deeper understanding of another culture. In consultation with your department advisor and the Study Away office, you will be able to plan off-campus study early in your program journey.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers as
As a policy advisor, you will apply philosophical principles to develop and evaluate policies for organizations and governments.
As an ethicist you will analyze moral issues and provide guidance on ethical decision-making in various fields.
As a writer or author, you will explore and articulate complex philosophical ideas through books, articles, and essays.
As a philosophy professor, you will teach and research philosophical theories, fostering critical thinking and discussion.
Graduates pursue careers as
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing.
Xinyan Jiang
Professor
Kathie Jenni
Professor
James Krueger
Professor, Director of Health Medicine and Society
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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