Philosophy, B.A.

Location(s): Statesboro, Armstrong-Savannah

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The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies helps students to learn how to think, not what to think. Philosophy majors develop critical thinking skills, appreciate cultural diversity, become careful readers, and write clearly and accurately. The philosophy major is for students who are passionate about ideas and curious about the world.

The disciplines of Philosophy and Religious Studies ask pressing questions: What does it mean to be human? How do people make meaning in this world? What is the relationship of individuals to society? These questions are complicated by topics such as class, race, ethnicity, and gender - all of which are addressed by classes in the Department. From Existentialism to Epistemology, and ranging across time and place from Ancient Israel to Contemporary Tibet, the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies has something for everyone.

Studying Philosophy or Religious Studies provides excellent preparation for professional employment in any area where critical thinking, problem-solving, careful reading, and the ability to communicate well are important.

The Department takes pride in working with students to connect their immediate studies with their long-term goals. Because of the size of our program, students are mentored by the faculty and are known as individuals.

Degree Requirements: 124 Credit Hours

See Core IMPACTS for required courses in Core IMPACTS and Additional Course Requirements.

General Requirements (Core IMPACTS): 42 Credit Hours

Additional Requirements: 4 Credit Hours

Field of Study Requirements: 18 Credit Hours

Required of All Majors: 6 Credit Hours

Concentration In Law

Select 3 hours from the following:

Concentration in Religious Studies

Select 3 hours from the following:

Field of Study Electives: 9-12 Credit Hours

Select 9-12 credit hours from the list below or options listed under the Law or Religious Studies concentrations. Field of Study must total 18 credit hours.

FORL 1001
FORL 1002
FORL 2001
FORL 2002
SUBJ XXXX of any 1000 or 2000 level course(s) as needed

Major Requirements: 9 Credit Hours

History of Philosophy Requirement: 3 Credit Hours

PHIL 3100 - Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy (3 Credit Hours)

Additional Major Courses: 6 Credit Hours

B.A. Philosophy (no concentration): 15 Credit Hours

B.A. Philosophy majors not pursuing a concentration will take 15 additional hours from the list above for a total of 24 major credit hours.

B.A. Philosophy with Concentration: 18 Credit Hours

In lieu of the general degree, B.A. Philosophy students also may elect to pursue a concentration in Law or Religious Studies. See details below.

Required Minor: 15 Credit Hours

Select 15 credit hours of Minor (Must be approved by advisor)

General Electives: 18-21 Credit Hours

Students pursuing the general B.A. Philosophy will select 21 credit hours of electives which may include additional Philosophy courses. At least 15 credit hours of general electives and/or minor credits must be at the 3000 level or higher so that the student will graduate with 39 upper division credits.
Students pursuing a concentration within the B.A. Philosophy will select 18 credit hours of electives which may include additional Philosophy courses. At least 12 credit hours of general electives and/or minor credits must be at the 3000 level or higher so that the student will graduate with 39 upper division credits.

Total Credit Hours: 124

Areas of Concentration

Concentration in Law

Available on the Statesboro campus

Philosophy of Law Credit Hours: 3

PHIL 3232 - Philosophy of Law (3 Credit Hours)

Ethics, Politics, and Law Credit Hours: 9

Select 3 courses from the following:

Interdisciplinary Law Credit Hours: 6

Select 2 courses from the following:

Total Credit Hours: 18

Concentration in Religious Studies

Available on the Statesboro campus

Philosophy of Religion Credit Hours: 12

Select 4 courses from the following:

Religious Studies Interdisciplinary Credit Hours: 6

Select 6 credit hours from the following:

Total Credit Hours: 18

Other Program Requirements

Must have earned a minimum grade of “C” in each of the courses in the Philosophy upper division
Complete 0 credit PHIL 4700 - Senior E-portfolio (0 Credit Hours) during the Senior year.

Program Admission Criteria

Majors must acquire from their advisors a copy of “Requirements for the Major in Philosophy.”

Advisement

Undergraduate Academic Advisement at Georgia Southern is provided to all degree-seeking undergraduate students by professional advisors. Academic Advisors are located on all three Georgia Southern University campuses. Students are required to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor at least once a semester. For more information visit the Academic Advisement catalog page.