Philosophy BA
- Major
- BA
- In-Person
- Greeley
- Ethics and Public Policy
4 Years
Program Overview
The Philosophy B.A. at UNC challenges you to think rigorously and ethically. You will develop the skills to question assumptions, construct persuasive arguments, and think with clarity across disciplines.
Our curriculum encourages exploration of ethics, politics, knowledge, and meaning—all while preparing you for a variety of careers or graduate study. This program is designed for thinkers who want to make a difference.
Build a foundation in logic, ethics, epistemology (the study of knowledge) and metaphysics. You will also learn to think from different schools of thought in Western and non-Western traditions.
Sharpen your ability to write with clarity, to analyze deeply any complex situation, to persuade with grace and think critically–skills that are highly valued in law, business, education, government and tech.
To earn the Philosophy B.A., students must complete 120 total credits, including:
33 credits in Philosophy, with courses like Symbolic Logic, Ethics, and Seminar in Philosophy.
Required courses: PHIL 100, PHIL 200, PHIL 220, PHIL 250, PHIL 350, PHIL 495.
At least 6 credits in advanced (400-level) electives.
Option to specialize in Ethics and Public Policy (concentration).
See full course list: Philosophy B.A. Requirements
Looking to strengthen your critical thinking and communication skills? The 18-credit Philosophy minor provides a solid foundation in logic, ethics, and big ideas that complement almost any major.
Why to study Philosophy?
Philosophy is more than just thinking about big questions—it’s a powerful way to prepare for life and work. When you study philosophy, you learn how to ask better questions, make strong arguments, and see issues from many sides. These skills are valuable in any career. Employers look for people who can think clearly, write well, and solve problems. That’s exactly what philosophy teaches you to do.
Concentrations and Minors
You can decide between a Traditional Philosophy path or an Ethics and Public Policy Concentration.
Study the big questions that shape how we live, think, and act. In UNC’s Philosophy B.A., you’ll build a strong foundation in ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy.
You’ll also explore elective topics like philosophy of science, moral psychology, religion, or existentialism.
Courses introduce you to both classic and contemporary thinkers.
This program is ideal for students interested in graduate or professional school—or anyone who wants to think more clearly, write more persuasively, and understand complex ideas. Many students also choose to double major, since philosophy strengthens critical thinking across every field.
This concentration focuses on the real-world impact of philosophy.
You’ll explore how ethics and critical thinking apply to social, moral, and political issues.
Courses help you connect theory to everyday life—and challenge you to reflect on your values, goals, and future. It’s strong preparation for law, public service, advocacy, or any career that requires thoughtful decision-making and a clear moral compass.
You can earn your BA in Philosophy with an Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy Concentration.
Ready for the real world
In philosophy, you explore ideas about right and wrong, justice, truth, and what it means to live a good life. But you also learn how to deal with real-world challenges. For example, classes in ethics help you think through difficult choices in business, health care, or public service. Logic courses sharpen your ability to break down arguments and spot weak reasoning—a skill that helps in law, journalism, politics, and even computer science.
Philosophy majors often go on to careers in law, government, education, business, and nonprofit work. Many do well on exams like the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT because they are trained to think deeply and write clearly. Some become teachers or professors. Others work in tech, policy, or creative industries where original thinking is a must.
What makes philosophy special is that it doesn’t just tell you what to think—it teaches you how to think. In today’s fast-changing world, that’s more important than ever. Jobs may change. New tools may come and go. But the ability to reason, question, and communicate will always be in demand.
More than a degree
Philosophy is a smart choice
If you want a major that builds both your mind and your future, philosophy is a smart choice. It gives you a flexible, lasting skill set that you can take anywhere. Whether you want to go to law school, lead a team, start your own business, or make change in the world, philosophy prepares you to think with purpose—and act with integrity.
What is Philosophy for?
Why Philosophy at UNC
Broad Career Prep
Around 90% of UNC philosophy grads pursue careers or graduate programs in fields like law, education, policy, and more.
Law School Ready
Philosophy majors consistently score among the highest on the LSAT—UNC prepares you to lead with logic.
Faculty Mentorship
Small class sizes and engaged professors offer personal guidance and opportunities for research or independent studies
What our faculty think
Faculty
"Studying philosophy has helped me navigate personal and professional challenges by getting clearer about the implications of the concepts and reasoning I rely on."
Nancy Matchett, Ph.D.
Philosophy
