Students complete core courses centered on the foundations of philosophical and religious
traditions, and then concentrate their studies in philosophy or religion. In advanced
courses, students may analyze moral issues in areas from animal rights to genetic
engineering, or examine proofs for the existence of God, immortality and the problem
of evil. Faculty members enjoy talking about ideas with students in and out of class,
and conversations continue in the department lounge where students often hang out.
As part of WCU’s Philosophy and Religion Club, students watch and discuss movies and
issues, and meet and talk with visiting scholars. Students attend conferences, conduct
research and write for “The Gadfly,” a student publication that uses satire and irony
to point out social, political and economic problems.
Where You'll Go
ĢƵphilosophy graduates have been accepted at top-flight graduate and professional
schools, including the University of Georgia, Villanova, Emory, and Kansas; Rutgers,
Case Western Reserve, and Duke University Law Schools; and seminaries from Vanderbilt
to Liberty to Lutheran Theological Southern. They’ve also worked as a building contractor,
a counselor, a community service director, a legislative aide for a NC state representative,
a middle school math and science teacher, a personal banker at Bank of America, an
IT specialist, a professional journalist, an emergency medical technician, among a
host of other professions.
The study of philosophy prepares students to think through challenging ethical questions
and decisions, to reason logically, to create sound arguments, and to communicate
clearly in speech and writing. The insights and skills students gain help them succeed
as lawyers, doctors, theologians, counselors, politicians, scientists, directors,
teachers, artists and many other professions. Setting WCU’s philosophy degree apart
is the opportunity to concentrate studies in philosophy or religion, a focus on ethical
and social / political issues, and a structure that supports completing a second major
in another discipline. Recent graduates also majored in biology, English, psychology,
hospitality and tourism management, international studies, Spanish, communication,
history, music, criminal justice, anthropology, sociology, environmental health, political
science and even special studies in Japanese. Explore the College of Arts and Sciences to learn more and view all programs.
Degree Options
School
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Philosophy & Religion
Location
Cullowhee Campus
Length
Full and Part-Time
Time to Complete:
4 Year Average
Credits:
120 Credit Hours
App Deadline:
Admission through general ĢƵundergraduate enrollment
More About Our Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Program
The B.A. in Philosophy at ĢƵhelps students develop strong skills in critical thinking,
ethical reasoning, and analytic writing. The program explores major philosophical
traditions, contemporary issues, and the foundations of logic and argumentation. Students
learn to evaluate complex ideas, engage in thoughtful dialogue, and approach problems
with clarity and depth. This degree prepares graduates for careers in law, public
service, business, education, and other fields that value strong reasoning and communication,
as well as for graduate study in philosophy and related disciplines.
The Philosophy & Religion program helps you sharpen your reasoning, explore big questions,
and gain the communication and analytical skills valued in every field.
Admission to the PAR program is straightforward—start by applying to WCU, then meet
with an advisor to customize your course plan and explore the concentration that fits
you best.
With a Philosophy & Religion degree, graduates enter diverse career fields or pursue
advanced degrees supported by strong intellectual and analytical training.
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