BA in Philosophy
Concentrations
How should I live?
Is there an objective standard of right and wrong?
What is justice? How could we establish a just society?
What makes me ‘me’? What roles do nature and nurture play in our identities?
As a philosophy major, you will debate these enduring questions about human existence. You will examine how philosophers have answered them in the past and explore how those answers continue to inform our thinking in the present. Drawing on the expertise of philosophy professors at Mason, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the study of philosophy is relevant to key contemporary issues—such as global warming, social justice and the defense of human rights, or the relationship between science and religion.
At George Mason University, we offer courses that allow you to take a range of different approaches and in a variety of philosophical traditions. In addition to the history of Western philosophy, you will study logic, ethics, and social and political philosophy. You will have the chance to work with experts on questions about the environment, global health, gender and race, the ethical implications of neuroscience, the value of the arts, and the role and nature of scientific research.
In the process, you will develop core skills of perceptive argument, critical thinking, and clear and persuasive writing. Because of its focus on thoughtful reflection and clear reasoning, a degree in philosophy provides excellent preparation for a wide range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work in law, public policy, education, business; some have gone onto graduate study and a few have become philosophy professors themselves. We hope that studying philosophy at Mason will help you reflect more deeply on your own values and on what you think makes for a meaningful and well-lived life.
Major Map
| First Year | Middle Years | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics |
Take PHIL 173 or PHIL 373 to meet the Logic Requirement. Take PHIL 301 in Fall or PHIL 303 in Spring to start meeting the History Requirement. Consider taking at least one course that meets either the Analytic, Continental, or Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy Requirement. Consider signing up for a concentration in the major such as Philosophy and Law or Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Meet with your academic advisor Katy Hoepf at least once each semester your first year. |
Continue to meet with your advisor to choose courses and stay on track with meeting degree requirements. Ensure that you’ve taken both PHIL 301 and PHIL 303 to meet the History requirements for the major. Ensure that you’ve met your Analytic, Continental, and Ethics and Social and Political Requirements. Consider applying for the Bachelor to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program in Philosophy. Consider taking a PHIL 425 Directed Reading course with an interested faculty member on a focused topic. Consider applying for Honors in the Major.
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Work closely with your advisor to verify you are meeting your graduation requirements. Apply for graduation. Take PHIL 421 or 422 Capstone course Consider your research to CHSS Undergraduate Research Symposium or an Undergraduate Philosophy Conference.
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| Career and Professional Prep |
Explore the different career paths often pursued by Philosophy Majors |
Pursue research experience by working on faculty projects through independent study classes, as a student employee, or through other departmental programs. For example, the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy sometimes accepts undergraduates for assistance in research. Join the Patriot Pre-Law Program if you hope to apply to law school.
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For grad school applications, prepare statement of purpose/goals statement, resume and/or CV, and notify the writers of your letters of recommendation by September for Fall applications. For pre-law students, start prepping for the LSAT and start asking faculty for recommendation letters. |
| Experiences |
Attend a meeting of the Philosophy Club to meet fellow majors and minors as well as other students interested in Philosophy. Look ahead to participating in a philosophically relevant study abroad program, such as Dr. Rachel Jones and Dr. Kurt Brandhorst’s Summer “Philosophy after Auschwitz” course in Poland. |
Consider applying for a summer undergraduate workshop in philosophy) Attend philosophy talks at one of the many universities in the DC area.
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Attend a regional philosophy conference such as the Virginia Philosophical Association’s annual meeting. Consider submitting an exceptionally well written paper to an undergraduate philosophy conference (consult with a faculty member before doing so). |