Most of the skills required for student and career success–how to learn, how to apply that learning in professional and personal environments, and how to communicate that knowledge–are central to philosophy. Philosophy will teach you to evaluate complex problems, identify and examine underlying principles, investigate issues from diverse perspectives, and communicate clearly in both written and oral forms. The bachelor's in philosophy provides a thorough grounding in core areas of philosophy, such as the history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation, as well as a core competence in another discipline, encouraging students to creatively pursue cross-disciplinary studies.
This philosophy bachelor's provides a thorough grounding in core areas of philosophy (history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation), as well as a four-course specialization within philosophy. Combine philosophy with a core competence (or even a double major) in another discipline, encouraging them to creatively pursue cross-disciplinary studies. The major concludes with an optional senior thesis.
RIT's Degree in Philosophy
Develop skills through a core of philosophy courses that cover the history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation. You will choose a specialization and take four courses dedicated to that topic.
Complete a professional core of courses designed to provide foundational knowledge in a professional/technical discipline outside of philosophy, which complements your studies. A Seminar in Philosophy (PHIL-416) examines a selected area or topic in philosophy at an advanced undergraduate level. Senior Thesis in Philosophy (PHIL-595), which is optional for students, provides an opportunity to integrate philosophy with various fields of application. Philosophy electives, general electives, and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum.
Bachelor's in Philosophy Specializations
Philosophy of mind and cognitive science: Examine the philosophical issues involved in studying intelligence, cognition, identity, consciousness, rationality, creativity and emotion, especially as such concepts and categories are invoked by computer and cognitive scientists, and as they are applied in relation to natural and artificial systems.
Philosophy of science and technology: Examine the concepts, methodologies, and philosophical implications of science and technology, and explores the underlying theories, practices, and consequences of science and technology and their role in shaping societies and their values.
Applied ethics: Examine the ethical underpinnings of different professions as well as the ethical presuppositions and implications of technology, engineering, science, management, and other disciplines. Attention is also given to ethics education within the professions and the role professional ethicists can play in different professional and organizational settings.
Philosophy of social sciences and political philosophy: Examine philosophical issues arising from social and political life as well as the disciplines that study them.
Philosophy of art and aesthetics: Examine how different philosophical frameworks conceive of the various arts and crafts and the forms of creative experience and production with which they are engaged; explore the relationship between aesthetic perception and other forms of experience and judgment, between art and society, between art and ethics, and between art and technology.
History of philosophy: Explores the development and connection of philosophical ideas, concepts, and movements throughout time through an in-depth analysis of major transformative moments and figures, and examines how philosophical positions result from an ongoing conversation with previous thinkers.
Philosophy and law: Prepares for law school and other advanced studies by focusing on the skills and topics important to the study of the law. The courses provide an examination of the theoretical and ethical foundations of the law and an understanding of the logical and epistemological skills useful in evaluating and constructing legal arguments. In addition, a grounding in these topics and skills is valuable in a range of professions outside the legal field.
Advising
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists in planning course schedules, professional/technical core requirements, and a philosophy specialization area. For more information, please refer to the college's academic advising page.
RIT's Pre-Law Program
Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT's pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.
RIT/Syracuse University College of Law 3+3 Option
RIT has partnered with Syracuse University's College of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 BS/JD option for highly capable students. This option provides a fast-track pathway to law school in which students earn a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate degree in six years. In the 3+3 option, students may apply to the option directly. Successful applicants are offered admission to RIT and given conditional acceptance into Syracuse University's College of Law.
RIT's philosophy degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option. Learn more about the RIT/Syracuse University College of Law 3+3 Option, including admission requirements and frequently asked questions.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.