Philosophy

The philosophy major and minor at Saint Joseph’s University will foster your ability to think logically, evaluate arguments, communicate effectively, examine assumptions and live an intellectually rich and ethically engaged life.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Philosophy courses at Saint Joseph's University emphasize an interactive approach to learning. Philosophy majors and minors will learn how to think critically, engage in intellectual discussions and defend their points of view from a philosophical perspective. Our faculty believes that feedback and discussion are of paramount importance.

    As a philosophy major, you have the option to pursue one of five tracks:

    • History of Philosophy
    • Social-Political/Philosophy of Law
    • Philosophy of Mind, Language & Science
    • Philosophy of Religion
    • Arts and Humanities

  • The philosophy program at Saint Joseph's is offered as a minor and a major. Many students in the philosophy program pursue double majors or minors to explore the many connections between philosophy and other areas of inquiry. Some common additional areas of study include:

  • As a philosophy major at Saint Joseph's University, you will learn how to be an incisive logical thinker, a strong writer and a conscientious global citizen committed to social justice. Philosophy majors will also benefit from close working relationships with faculty who emphasize interactive learning, discussion and engagement in the world.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Philosophy?

Philosophy majors gain several skills that are essential in the business world, including strong communication, moral sensitivity, political aptitude, problem-solving skills and analytical reasoning.

Philosophy majors graduating from Saint Joseph's University have been hired by highly regarded non-profit organizations and prestigious financial firms and have gone on to attend graduate school and law school. Philosophy majors are well equipped to pursue careers in fields such as:

  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Social work
  • International relations
  • Business
  • Education

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition rates can be found on our Tuition and Fees page.*

    *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

Admission Information

  • To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

    Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.

  • First-Year Students
    Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options are available. For a full timeline of deadlines, visit our admission page.

    Transfer Students
    Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms.

  • 1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

    2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

  • Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University:

    • Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
    • Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above
    • Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit
    • Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
    • The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph's
    • Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
    • Earned credit may be submitted for review based on a timeline of less than or equal to 5 to 10 years between completion of course and enrollment at SJU

    Visit the Transfer Admission page for a detailed breakdown of courses and institutions eligible for transfer.

  • If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

    • Satisfy general admission requirements
    • Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

    Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

  • Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

    • Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
    • Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
    • Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
    • Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

Explore Other Degree Programs

History

At Saint Joseph’s University, history majors uncover the mysteries, tragedies and triumphs of the past. You will investigate how previous societies have dealt with common human concerns and evaluate the outcomes. 

Political Science

The political science major and minor at Saint Joseph’s University offers the opportunity to examine politics, government and the political process. This program is ideal for those interested in the study of power, behavior, compromise and relationships between political figures in a variety of different contexts.

Theology Major

Theology majors at Saint Joseph's University acquire and hone tools for critical analysis of many different components of theology and religious traditions. Students also explore a deeper understanding of how the Roman Catholic tradition has interacted throughout history with Judaism, Islam and other Christian and non-Christian traditions. Majors encounter different strategies and approaches for welcoming the stranger and serving the common good.

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