Philosophy, B.A.

Return to Department of Philosophy and Religion .

The University of Tulsa is not accepting applications or matriculating new undergraduate students into the bachelor’s program in philosophy beyond the Fall 2019 term. Students who have matriculated into the bachelor’s program may not declare philosophy as a major after the Spring 2020 term.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in philosophy explores the most fundamental questions about human life, including the nature and meaning of the basic elements of human experience and the limits of knowledge. The course of study introduces students to the great thinkers and ideas that have shaped our past and present culture. Students develop a variety of important intellectual skills, including critical thinking and evaluation, the ability to see implications and alternatives, to read and write with insight and logical precision, and to undertake graduate and professional studies.

Philosophy Learning Objectives

To impart a rich understanding of the West’s major philosophers and their ideas;
To probe the central problems and issues that have shaped Western thought;
To cultivate skills of analysis and logical argument in written and oral presentation; and
To prepare students for future studies, graduate or professional.

Tulsa Curriculum Requirements (53 hours)

Core Curriculum (28 hours)

ENGL 1033 Exposition and Argumentation
MATH 1083 Contemporary Mathematics (or higher MATH course)
FS 1973 First Seminar
AS 1001 First Year College Experience *
AS 2001 The Liberal Arts and Preparation for Life after Graduation **
4973 Senior Project (3 hours)
Language (14 hours)***

General Curriculum (25 hours)****

Block I Aesthetic Inquiry and Creative Experience (6 hours)
Block II Historical and Social Interpretation (12 hours)
Block III Scientific Investigation (7 hours including one lab)

Notes:

*AS 1001 is required for freshmen matriculating at TU immediately after graduating from high school.

**AS 2001 is required for sophomores.

***Language requirement may vary depending upon placement.

****No more than two courses from any one discipline may be used to fulfill General Curriculum requirements. Two courses must be taken which meet the Cultural Diversity and Gender Studies requirement.

Some students may be required to take ENGL 1004 Introduction to College Writing and MATH 1053 College Algebra .

Philosophy Major Requirements (30 hours)

To complete a major in philosophy at The University of Tulsa, the student must complete 30 hours of coursework. Two-thirds of these, or 21 hours, are to be taken at the 3000-4000 level. Students are required to take two interdisciplinary courses: PHIL 1453 / REL 1453 The Great Conversation I: Ancient and Medieval , and PHIL 2453 / REL 2453 The Great Conversation II: Modern and Contemporary . Philosophy students must complete a course in logic or reasoning.

Common Questions

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