Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Our students become adept writers, thinkers and cultural leaders, uniquely equipped for future success.

Philosophy allows us to think critically about the world and our place in it. Our students explore logic, the use of language and the theory of knowledge to develop analytic, logical reasoning and creative skills. Philosophy majors establish valuable and in-demand skills, preparing them with the critical-thinking expertise needed for the modern workforce.

  • Analyze moral, social and political issues of the day.
  • Learn to question, challenge and investigate general assumptions
  • Gain the critical-thinking skills employers demand

Explore our Center for Values and Social Policy, a nonpartisan, campuswide resource for research, teaching and public outreach

Be a part of our Rocky Mountain Ethics Congress (RoME), a four-day international conference held at CU Boulder

Connect with renowned scholars and professionals at our Distinguished Speaker Series, hosted by the interdisciplinary Committee on the History and Philosophy of Science

Be successful.

Our undergraduates claim their degrees with marketable skills that enable them to read critically, think analytically and communicate clearly. Many students in philosophy continue their studies in law or other graduate programs.

 
$54,600

Median salary of CU Boulder philosophy students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Public policy professional, business development manager, systems analyst, technical writer and marketing manager are common job opportunities for graduates

 

Work in nonprofit organizations, law, medicine, business or academia

Academic Plan & Requirements

Philosophy students must complete the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as 33 to 45 credit hours in philosophy, 18 of which must be upper division.

In addition to the general philosophy major, we offer two topically oriented major tracks:

  • Law and society: This track is for students interested in law, providing them with a broader understanding of the subject.
  • Values and social policy: This track positions students for a policy-oriented career in business, government or academia.

Additional degree option for philosophy students includes:

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BA) and master's (MA) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BA/MA program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

Philosophy majors have many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The philosophy department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Eileen Sherman

University of California, Berkeley School of Law, Class of 2018

Kendy Hess

Brake Smith Associate Professor of Social Philosophy and Ethics, College of the Holy Cross

Marshall McStraw

Cornell University Law School, Class of 2018

David Arcara

Co-founder, Laconia Capital Group

Lynn Lannin

Vice president of professional services at Vertiba, a Salesforce.com consulting firm

Josh Lannin

Senior director of product management for Workday, a cloud application software provider for HR and finance

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover