Philosophy is the systematic and critical inquiry into thinking and the nature of existence. As a practice, philosophy teaches analytical and critical thinking, develops oral and written communication skills, and contributes to interdisciplinary understanding. Philosophy attempts to answer perennial questions about values, human existence, and the nature of reality. Skills developed in this inquiry help philosophy students excel in careers in law, medicine, management, education, government, writing, computer science, psychology, sociology, and ministry among many others.
Sociology applies the methods of social science to understand how broader social forces influence our thoughts, beliefs, and behavior. It provides an important background for careers in human resources, education, business, law, social work, criminal justice, politics, arts, sports, and public administration. Students may select from a broad range of courses related to contemporary issues and problems; inter-group relations, popular culture, social movements and social change, modernity and post-modernity, family patterns and relationships, sexuality, crime and deviance, environmental and social problems, globalization, and field experiences.
General Information
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and Sociology requires the following:
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of PHIL course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
- A minimum of 30 credit hours of SOC course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division.
- A grade of C or better in courses applied to both majors.
- A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all PHIL and SOC course work.
- Completion of one Summit Course from either department. Students may complete either the PHIL Senior Thesis or the SOC Summit Experience.
- Completion of the Sociology Exit Exam and Exit Survey during the final semester of the senior year.
Additional course work is required to complete the Philosophy and Sociology, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.
