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Philosophy, B.A.
The philosophy program is designed for students who are interested in examining life's deepest questions and applying this study to the community and world.
Program Overview
Philosophy graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The curriculum is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary study.
Why Study Philosophy at Grand Valley?
- Faculty members are published scholars and researchers who are deeply committed to undergraduate philosophy education.
- The major emphasizes learning the history of philosophy as the foundation for further study and application.
- Courses are offered in all major contemporary schools of philosophical thought as well as in non-Western traditions.
- The Undergraduate Teaching Apprentice Program, China Summer School, Philosophy Colloquium/Speakers Series, and the Philosophical Society of GVSU offer out-of-classroom opportunities.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Coursework
Philosophy students receive a broad education in the subject, covering topics like:
- Aesthetics
- Eastern philosophy
- Ethics
- Great philosophers
- Logic
- Social and political philosophy
Study Abroad: Philosophy students are encouraged to take advantage of the study abroad programs in China.
Minor: Students seeking a minor in philosophy are invited to devise an appropriate program suitable to their interests. It must include a minimum of 18 hours of philosophy, at least 6 hours of which must be upper-division, with 3 of these at the 400 level.
Career Options
Many law schools and seminaries encourage philosophy as an undergraduate degree. Philosophy is also closely associated with such fields as:
- Clinical Psychology
- Engineering
- Law
- Medicine
- Teaching
Philosophy is recognized as a strong foundation for education and experience in other disciplines.
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Philosophy
gvsu.edu/philosophy
B-3-105
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2114
“I found all of my professors to be very interested in my holistic education; not just my education as it pertained to philosophy. The accessibility of the professors directly contributed to the strength of my education.”
JOSHUA MEYERS
PHILOSOPHY ALUMNUS
PHILOSOPHY ALUMNUS