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Philosophy Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Explore centuries of thought on morality, justice & the human condition and learn
how to apply cultural and historical context to solve complex issues.
Are you an inquisitive person? Do you enjoy tasks that challenge the mind? Do you
often have different views on events from your peers? Can you explain complex situations
in simple, understandable terms? You may want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Philosophy at the University of North Texas.A Bachelor of Arts with a major in
philosophy involves the study of the history of Western and non-Western philosophy
and religion. Our course work will provide you not only insight into the world's cultural
heritage, but also into every other field of study in the sciences and humanities.
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We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.
Request More InfoWhy Earn a Philosophy Degree?
At the undergraduate level, we provide a traditional program focused on developing a solid background in the history of philosophy, epistemology, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of science, and other subjects, but including some introductory and advanced work in environmental ethics.
We have a complete program of study in the history of Western and non-Western philosophy and religion, including an emphasis on non-western religions and comparative religion. Our course work not only provides insight into the world's cultural heritage but also into every other field of study in the sciences and humanities. In addition, our department focuses specifically on questions concerning the environment, with topics like environmental ethics, environmental policy, and religion and ecology.
Our rigorous curriculum introduces you to methods of thinking about the timeless questions of truth, beauty, goodness, and justice as you encounter these central areas of philosophy:
- Aesthetics (What is beauty?)
- Epistemology (What do I know and how do I know it?)
- Ethics (What should I do?)
- Human nature (Who/what am I?)
- Metaphysics (What is reality?)
- Politics (What is justice?)
Marketable Skills
- Analytic reasoning
- Professional writing
- Problem-solving
- Ethical decision-making
- Critical thinking
Philosophy Degree Highlights
The department has also been singled our for creating the world's first Field Station
in environmental philosophy, science, and policy at Cape Horn, Chile.
Our faculty members are outstanding teachers and scholars, including leading authorities
on environmental ethics, philosophy of science and technology, and continental philosophy.
They have written hundreds of books and articles, and many are considered international
experts in their areas.
The department sponsors several scholarships to help you pursue your degree. All philosophy
majors are eligible for scholarships.
Our department houses the Philosophy of Food Project. It aims to disseminate information
about the philosophical investigation of food and help raise the level of public discourse
about food, agriculture, animals, and eating.
The UNT Philosophy Club is a student organization that brings students and faculty
together in dialogue about topics in the study of philosophy. The Philosophy Club
provides a casual environment to discuss a range of issues in metaphysics, epistemology,
ethics, politics, and aesthetics.
The UNT Department of Philosophy and Religion is the home of the nation's leading
Doctoral Program in environmental ethics/philosophy and the nation's first Masters's
Program in the field.
What Can You Do With a Philosophy Degree?
Corporations, institutions and businesses are particularly interested in people who can think, communicate and write effectively. These are the skills you'll acquire through studying philosophy. You can find a career in:
- Education
- Journalism
- Law
- Public administration
- Public service
- Publishing
You'll also be prepared to enroll in any graduate program. Philosophy students consistently outscore other disciplines on LSAT and GRE exams for verbal and analytic reasoning skills.
Philosophy Degree Courses You Could Take
Metaphysics (3 hrs)
Examination of the ultimate nature of reality and the terms used to understand it,
such as existence, substance, causality, space, time and identity. Themes include
idealism, realism, naturalism and process metaphysics. Figures might include Plato,
Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Leibniz, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Whitehead and
Derrida.
Social and Political Philosophy (3 hrs)
Examines how people should live together in communities and what legitimate governing
institutions best promote the ideals of freedom, justice, rights, democracy, equality
and happiness. Topics include civil and human rights, social contract theory, economic
justice, group identity, race and gender.
Philosophy of Ecology (3 hrs)
Traces the development of ecology from its roots in 19th-century natural history through
general ecology, restoration ecology, deep ecology and social ecology. Examines the
central philosophical concepts of biological and cultural diversity; the relations
between societies and their environments; environmental and social problems determined
by losses in biocultural diversity; agriculture, land ethics and conservation; non-Western
conceptions of nature and society.
Environmental Justice (3 hrs)
An examination of the philosophical foundations of the environmental movements in
the US and around the world. Analyzes the interplay of social justice and environmental
harms, considers multiple conceptions of justice, the equitable distribution of environmental,
risks and benefits, environmental law and policy, participation in environmental decision
making, and local knowledge and cultural differences.
Feminism (3 hrs)
An introduction to Anglo-American, French and international feminisms. Topics include
gender essentialism and gender differences; the relation between theory and practice;
the relation between the personal and the political.
Ethics and Society (3 hrs)
Survey of basic ethical theories and exploration of such issues as abortion, euthanasia,
national security and civil liberties, affirmative action, the death penalty, extramarital
sex, pornography, animal rights, world hunger, and the environment.
Learn More About UNT
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