Philosophy Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s bachelor in philosophy provides a thorough grounding in core areas of philosophy, such as the history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation, as well as a core competence in another discipline, encouraging you to creatively pursue cross-disciplinary studies.

This philosophy degree provides a thorough grounding in core areas of philosophy (history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation), as well as a four-course specialization within philosophy. You may also combine philosophy with a core competence (or even a double major) in another discipline to creatively pursue cross-disciplinary studies. The major concludes with an optional senior thesis.

With RIT's bachelor of science in philosophy, you will develop skills through a core of philosophy courses that cover the history of philosophy, ethics, and logical argumentation. You will choose a specialization and take four courses dedicated to that topic.

Complete a professional core of courses designed to provide foundational knowledge in a professional/technical discipline outside of philosophy, which complements your studies. A Seminar in Philosophy (PHIL-416) examines a selected area or topic in philosophy at an advanced undergraduate level. The optional Senior Thesis in Philosophy (PHIL-595) provides an opportunity to integrate philosophy with various fields of application. Philosophy electives, general electives, and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum.

Bachelor's of Philosophy Specializations

Philosophy of mind and cognitive science: Examine the philosophical issues involved in studying intelligence, cognition, identity, consciousness, rationality, creativity, and emotion, especially as such concepts and categories are invoked by computer and cognitive scientists, and as they are applied in relation to natural and artificial systems.

Philosophy of science and technology: Examine the concepts, methodologies, and philosophical implications of science and technology, and explore the underlying theories, practices, and consequences of science and technology and their role in shaping societies and their values.

Applied ethics: Examine the ethical underpinnings of different professions as well as the ethical presuppositions and implications of technology, engineering, science, management, and other disciplines. Attention is also given to ethics education within the professions and the role professional ethicists can play in different professional and organizational settings.

Social and political philosophy: Examine philosophical issues arising from social and political life as well as the disciplines that study them.

Philosophy of art and aesthetics: Examine how different philosophical frameworks conceive of the various arts and crafts and the forms of creative experience and production with which they are engaged; explore the relationship between aesthetic perception and other forms of experience and judgment, between art and society, between art and ethics, and between art and technology.

History of philosophy: Explores the development and connection of philosophical ideas, concepts, and movements throughout time through an in-depth analysis of significant transformative moments and figures and examines how philosophical positions result from an ongoing conversation with previous thinkers.

Philosophy and law: Prepares for law school and other advanced studies by focusing on the skills and topics important to the study of the law. The courses provide an examination of the theoretical and ethical foundations of the law and an understanding of the logical and epistemological skills helpful in evaluating and constructing legal arguments. In addition, a grounding in these topics and skills is valuable in a range of professions outside the legal field.

Advising

You will be assigned a faculty advisor who assists in planning course schedules, professional/technical core requirements, and a philosophy specialization area. For more information, please refer to the college's academic advising page.

RIT’s Pre-Law Program

Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT’s pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.

Furthering Your Career in Philosophy

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Philosophy BS/Sustainable Systems MS: In this accelerated dual-degree program, a foundation in philosophy teaches you how to evaluate complex problems, identify and examine underlying principles, examine ethical implications, and consider diverse perspectives with a truly open mind, while a focus on sustainable systems creates a framework for applying sustainability science principles to address the world’s most challenging issues—pollution, food scarcity, public health crises, and more.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT’s philosophy degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option.

Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT’s philosophy degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Program. 

Learn more about RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.