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Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy is a liberal arts degree. Students in this program are exposed to eastern, western and contemporary philosophers and study myth, ritual and issues of ethics and morality. They learn to think critically and objectively, to write clearly and effectively, and to develop creative solutions to unique situations. Students graduating from this program apply their skills and abilities in professions requiring a high level of analytical thought such as those in "think tanks" and legal professions.

Degree Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates.  With reference to each of the respective areas of philosophy, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Discuss the historical development and evolution of philosophy from its origins through contemporary times.
  • Explain the various schools of philosophical and moral thought, the history behind their development, and the rationale for their acceptance and practice.
  • Recognize and apply logic: what makes a deductive argument valid or an inductive argument strong; an action moral or immoral; a statement believed to be true.
  • Stake out a philosophical position in a written composition and critically analyze a philosophical question.
  • Analyze and evaluate philosophical arguments from historical and contemporary sources.
  • Apply philosophical inquiry to contemporary events.
Degree Program Requirements
Required Course - 3 semester hours

General Education Requirements (34 semester hours)
English Composition - 6 semester hours

Social Sciences - 6 semester hours

Science - 4 semester hours including the required 1 hour labs

Mathematics - 3 semester hours

History - 6 semester hours

Humanities - 3 semester hours

Literature - 3 semester hours

All literature courses require successful completion of EN101 / ENGL101 - Proficiency in Writing or EN102 / ENGL102 - Effectiveness in Writing


Political Science - 3 semester hours
Core Courses (27 semester hours)
  • RQ300 / COLL300 - Research, Analysis, and Writing
  • PH101 / PHIL101 - Introduction to Philosophy (Prerequisite for all Core Courses)
  • PH300 / PHIL300 - Logic
  • PH301 / PHIL301 - Ethical Theory and Concepts
  • PH308 / PHIL302 - Ancient Western Philosophy
  • PH309 / PHIL303 - Medieval Philosophy
  • PH400 / PHIL400 - Contemporary Issues in Philosophy
  • PH310 / PHIL415 - Enlrightenment Philosophy
  • PH311 / PHIL416 - Modern and Post-Modern Philosophy

It is recommended, but not required, that the following be taken in sequence if scheduling allows:

  • PH308 / PHIL302 - Ancient Western Philosophy
  • PH309 / PHIL303 - Medieval Philosophy
  • PH310 / PHIL415 - Enlightenment Philosophy
  • PH311 / PHIL416 - Modern and Post-Modern Philosophy
Major Courses (15 semester hours)

A student enrolled in Philosophy must take five (5) courses from the following list.

  • CJ308 / CMRJ308 - Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • MC301 / MGMT314 - Management Ethics
  • MH352 / MILH304 - Readings in Military Philosophy
  • PH306 / PBHE361 - Moral Issues in Health Care
  • PH318 / PHIL310 - Studies in Chinese Thought
  • PH319 / PHIL311 - Studies in Japanese Thought
  • PH320 / PHIL320 - Environmental Ethics
  • PH404 / PHIL404 - Epistemology
  • PH410 / PHIL410 - God and World
  • RE411 / RELS411 - Religious Existentialism

Capstone Course (3 semester hours)
  • PH498 / PHIL498 - Senior Seminar in Philosophy
    Prerequisite: Senior Standing and completion of all core and major courses prior to enrollment.
Electives (39 semester hours)
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill core or major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Total = 121 semester hours


 Return to APUS Catalog | Bachelor's

AMU is a member institution of the American Public University System (APUS), which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.
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