UMass Boston

Philosophy BA

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The standard major in philosophy provides a general and comprehensive knowledge of the basic historical and systematic themes in philosophy. It will give a sound training both for those who anticipate going to graduate school or those who simply wish to acquire the broadly applicable skills of critical thinking and academic writing.

The majors in ethics, social, and political philosophy and in philosophy and public policy are intended for students who have a specific concern with questions of value as they apply to individuals, society, and public policy. These majors, in different ways, provide a broad outlook on these problems and attempted solutions to them, but should not in general be considered the best preparation for graduate work in philosophy. These majors, will, however, serve as a good liberal arts base for careers in government, the law, or social service.

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

Deadlines and Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

Required Courses (12 Credits)

Take the four courses listed below.

  • PHIL 211 - Ancient Philosophy 3 Credit(s)
  • PHIL 212 - Modern Philosophy 3 Credit(s
  • PHIL 150 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s)
    or
  • PHIL 250 - Formal Logic 3 Credit(s)
  • PHIL 475 - Philosophy Capstone 3 Credit(s)

Electives (18 Credits)

Take six additional philosophy courses. At least five courses must be at the 300-level or higher.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Degree Requirements

If this is the student's only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information:

University Requirements

College of Liberal Arts Requirements for Bachelor of Arts

Major Requirements

Complete 30 credits from ten courses, including four required courses and six electives.

Residency: At least six courses for the major must be completed at UMass Boston.

Course level: No more than two 100-level courses may be applied toward the major.

Pass/fail: Only one course taken pass/fail may count toward the major.

At least five philosophy courses in the major must be at the 300-level or higher.

Only one Independent Study (Phil 478 or 479) can count toward satisfying the requirements of the major, including the requirement that 5 courses must be taken at the 300-level or higher.

Contact

Department Chair: Professor Yumiko Inuka

Office Manager: Vendela Carlson
Location: Wheatley Hall, Floor: 05, Room: 00017

Phone: 617.287.6530
Fax: 617.287.6544

Mailing address: 

Philosophy Department
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393

Associate Professor of Philosophy Danielle Bromwich's class meets in the new Humanities Hub.

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