Our BA in philosophy offers foundations in logic and the philosophical traditions of the ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary eras. Classes cover topics from ethics and perceptions of reality to the philosophical underpinnings of science, law and video games. You'll have the chance to specialize in critical theory, critiquing systems of government, racial, gendered and colonial power structures.
Our philosophy students often find their studies are complemented by the pursuit of a double major. The versatile thinking skills developed in philosophical studies apply to art, history, math and physics, and many philosophy majors go on to pursue law degrees after graduation. Your understanding of logic can translate into careers in information technology and other reasoning-intensive fields. Undergraduate philosophy majors tend to perform well on post-graduate exams and have high mid-career salaries, according to the Washington Post.
What Sets Us Apart
You'll study a balanced philosophy curriculum that dives into historical study, philosophical problem areas and applied courses.
Numerous former students have attended some of the country’s finest graduate programs, and one was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
The program provides opportunities for coursework in non-Western traditions.
The philosophy department hires many work study students each year for various positions, including administrative assistants, social media/events assistants, research assistants and instructor's aides.
Degree Requirements
- To major in Philosophy, students complete 40 credits above the 1000 level. These include three required courses, 12 credits above the 1000 level and 16 credits at the 3000 level.
- Students also take at least one course in 19th Century Critical Theory, 20th Century Critical Theory or Contemporary Topics in Critical Theory.
- For distinction in the major, you will complete a thesis, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a major GPA of 3.85.
- Secondary majors are 40 credit hours.
- Minors consist of 20 credit hours above the 1000 level.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements.
Featured Courses
PHIL 2003
Philosophy and Popular Culture
About this Course
This course critically explores philosophical questions and issues in the context of contemporary popular culture. On the one hand, it considers more general questions about the nature and function of popular culture, including how popular culture has been defined and "theorized"; the connections between popular culture and the traditional and new media; the economic bases and functions of popular culture; and the political implications of popular culture. On the other, it explores particular philosophical issues--historical, ethical, political, aesthetic, and metaphysical--as they appear in selected areas or examples of popular culture: literature, film, the visual arts, digital media, graphic novels, music, television, etc. The aims are both to enhance students' critical understanding of the ways in which philosophical assumptions and ideas underlie popular culture and to present traditional and contemporary philosophical arguments, movements, and ideas using examples drawn from popular culture as reference points. As examples, we might explore ethical dilemmas posed in the "Sopranos" or "Mad Men"; mind-body problems in the "Matrix" or "Avatar"; or metaphysical issues in "Donny Darko" or "Run, Lola, Run." This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
PHIL 2182
The Making of the Modern World: Science, Art, and Philosophy
About this Course
A combined on-campus/travel course exploring the ways in which the complex interactions among science, the arts, and philosophy served to create and define the 'modern world.' This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
PHIL 3176
Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Law: Rights, Legal Institutions, and Justice
About this Course
A critical examination of rights claims and an exploration of hose those rights claims ought to affect legal institutions. What are rights? How are they justified? How do various different rights claims conflict with each other? Does a theory or rights help provide a justified theory of criminalization? Are there any rights we have just in virtue of being human? How does the concept of human rights apply to issues such as international law, the right to life and whether human rights require a right to democracy?.
Are you interested in a Philosophy degree that will transform your future?
Our Philosophy program supports your unique personal and professional goals.
