Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama
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    Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama

    The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    United States of America
    United States of America, Tuscaloosa
    University Rank:#901
    Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama

    International students can study the Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama at its main campus in Tuscaloosa , United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on July 5, 2027.

    About Philosophy, BA

    Philosophy majors should enjoy thinking abstractly and deeply about those questions that Bertrand Russell called “ultimate questions” — questions about the coherence or reasonableness of concepts and presuppositions that most take for granted. The ultimate questions addressed in philosophy classes include the following questions: Are humans purely physical beings, or does consciousness involve nonphysical phenomena? Do humans have free will? Does God exist? Are there objective moral facts, or is morality relative to one’s culture? What moral obligations, if any, does one have to oneself and to others? Is there any justification for government? If so, to what extent is governmental power justified?

    Admission into the Major

    Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.

    Special Opportunities

    The philosophy department honors program is designed for students who wish to pursue a philosophical topic further than the seminar format permits. It also provides recognition for both having done a greater proportion of classes at the advanced level and for sustained outstanding achievement in all courses. Students graduating with honors in philosophy must complete 36 hours in philosophy with 18 hours at the 300- or 400-level and achieve a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all philosophy courses and at least a cumulative GPA of 3.3. A philosophy honors student must also write a senior essay on a philosophical topic and defend it during an oral examination. A student who is enrolled in the University Honors Program can count his or her senior essay in philosophy as completing the honors thesis in that program.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama

    Entry Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 54
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    Career Opportunities after Completing Philosophy, BA

    A few graduates are now themselves professors of philosophy; but most years, no major pursues graduate work in philosophy. Those who seek advanced degrees pursue degrees in fields related to their second majors or in law, medicine, divinity, or business. Other majors use their analytic skills to forge careers in education, information technology, finance, management, and writing.

    Types of Jobs Accepted

    Recent graduates include a number of law students, several medical students and seminary students, and also graduate students in American studies, German, public administration, public health, and business. In addition to several in business and in the military, others are employed as teachers, computer consultants, and web designers.

    Jobs of Experienced Alumni

    Philosophy alumni include many attorneys, a banker, a chef, a chemical engineer, a CIA employee, information technology specialists, a graphic designer, ministers, musicians, physicians, professors (of philosophy, mathematics, English, and theology), a State Department employee, web designers, and writers.

    Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

    Tuition and Fee Information for Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama

    How to Apply for Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama

    • Copy of your passport
    • Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
    • Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
      • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
      • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
    • Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
      • Full Name
      • Address
      • High School/Secondary School
      • Graduation Date
    Philosophy, BA at The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    United States of America

    United States of America, Tuscaloosa

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