Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Philosophy
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In the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Program, you’ll get a strong foundation in general philosophy. You’ll study ethics and the history of philosophy. You’ll also choose from a variety of interdisciplinary philosophy and ethics courses that cover topics such as women and philosophy, environmental ethics and Chinese philosophy.

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What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Philosophy Major, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

World Language Requirement: Two years of a single high school world language or one year of a single college-level world language is required.

The 49-50 credit major requires completion of a minor.

Required Courses
PHIL 215 INTRODUCTION TO FORMAL LOGIC 5
PHIL/HONS 320 HISTORY OF ANCIENT WESTERN PHILOSOPHY 5
PHIL/HONS 321 HISTORY OF MODERN WESTERN PHILOSOPHY 5
PHIL/HONS 322 HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY WESTERN PHILOSOPHY 5
Required Philosophy Electives–choose in consultation with a departmental advisor 25
Note: no more than 15 credits may be taken in 200-level PHIL and HUMN courses.
Capstone Requirement–choose one of the following or any Senior Capstone with advisor’s approval. 4-5
Note: for students who select PHIL as a second major, the capstone requirement will be met by the completion of the primary major capstone.
PHILOSOPHY SENIOR CAPSTONE
INTERDISCIPLINARY SR CAPSTONE
Total Credits 49-50

General Education Requirements (GER)

  • Minimum Quarter Credits—180 cumulative credit hours
    • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at EWU, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at EWU
  • Minimum Semester Credits—120 cumulative credit hours
    • 40 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 30 credits in residence (attendance) at EWU, with at least 10 upper-division credits in major in residence at EWU
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

University Competencies and Proficiencies

Writing 
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning 

Placement and Clearance 
Prior Learning/Sources of Credit AP, CLEP, IB

Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR)

Humanities and Arts 
Natural Sciences 
Social Sciences

University Graduation Requirements (UGR)

Diversity Course List
Global Studies Course List
Minor or Certificate
Senior Capstone Course List 
World Language (for Bachelor of Arts)

Application for Graduation (use EagleNET) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the Catalog Archives to determine two important catalog years.

  1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
  2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

Students who earn a BA in Philosophy from EWU should be able to:

  • apply methods for philosophical problem solving by (a) relating theory to practice, (b) evaluating ideas in terms of both generic or universal humanity and perspectival pluralism, and (c) applying normative standards of truth, value and beauty;
  • apply philosophical writing styles in writing assignments and research projects that are aimed at extending philosophical inquiry through argumentation and/or comparative studies;
  • critically analyze, using logic and other tools, the consistency and verifiability of their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, as well as engage in reasoned public deliberation challenging those beliefs;
  • offer interpretations of the ideas of major philosophers by showing how they relate to perennial philosophical themes such as: visions of the good life, reality versus appearance, the roles of reason and experience, freedom and morality, etc;
  • understand the main doctrines and evaluate the arguments that underpin the ancient, modern, and contemporary periods of thought.

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice real-world decision-making through simulations, case studies, role playing, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Community-Based Projects: Team up with local organizations on projects that allow you to solve problems and make a difference.
  • Performance: Share your creative work through shows, readings, and more.
  • Service-Learning Experiences: Work on critical issues—such as food security, poverty, or climate change—that connect community service with what you’re learning in class.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at EWU: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, or clubs.
  • Study Abroad: Travel, learn, and experience new cultures while earning credit and building communication skills that help you thrive anywhere.
  • Undergraduate Research: Collaborate with professors on real-world research projects where you ask questions, solve problems, and present what you discover.

Sample Courses

PHIL 214. PHILOSOPHICAL VOICES AND POP CULTURE. 5 Credits.

Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
A thematic survey of several areas of basic philosophical problems. It combines an examination of philosophical themes in media and popular culture—including fiction, television, and cinema—with retrieval of under-represented, diverse voices addressing each thematic area. Themes may include, but are not restricted to: metaphysics, theory of mind and knowledge, aesthetics, ethics, and social and political theory.

Catalog Listing

PHIL 311. SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: successful completion of ENGL 101.
Major political theories and analysis of arguments that attempt to justify actual or proposed political and social institutions.

Catalog Listing

PHIL 332. LATIN AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY OF LIBERATION. 5 Credits.

Cross-listed: HONS 332.
Pre-requisites: ENGL 101 or equivalent.
Satisfies: a university graduation requirement–diversity.
A research seminar focused on justice and liberation in the context of Latin America. Surveys a wide range of Philosophies including Indigenous, Colonial, Scholastic, Positivist, Feminist, Vitalist, and Pragmatist philosophies. Topics include the deleterious effect of ideas and practices from Europe and the US within the region, liberatory praxis against oppression, the continued effects of US colonialism on Puerto Rico and how Latin American philosophy fosters political liberation.

Catalog Listing

Philosophy Electives

For a full list of the Philosophy elective courses offered, head over to the catalog.

Philosophy Course Catalog

Career Possibilities

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Public Defender
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Judge (with law degree)
  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Legal Researcher
  • Compliance Officer
  • Philosophy Professor
  • High School Philosophy Teacher
  • Ethics Instructor
  • University Lecturer 
  • Philosophy Department Chair
  • Educational Program Developer 
  • Curriculum Developer for Philosophy Courses
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Political Consultant
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Speechwriter 
  • Political Campaign Strategist
  • Government Affairs Specialist
  • Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer
  • Urban Planning Policy Advisor
  • Management Consultant
  • Business Strategist
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Human Resources Director
  • Corporate Ethics Officer
  • Business Analyst 
  • Brand Strategist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Journalist
  • Editorial Writer
  • Author 
  • Editor 
  • Content Strategist 
  • Copywriter or Technical Writer
  • Blogging or Podcasting
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Advocacy Director 
  • Social Services Director
  • Charity Director 
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Public Health Ethics Specialist
  • Environmental Policy Advocate
  • Bioethicist
  • Medical Ethics Consultant
  • Healthcare Administrator 
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Research Ethics Consultant
  • Healthcare Compliance Officer
  • Corporate Ethics Consultant
  • Technology Ethics Specialist
  • Data Privacy and Ethics Officer
  • AI Ethics Specialist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • Ethics Consultant
  • Media Consultant 
  • Communications Director
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Media Ethics Specialist
  • Press Secretary
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Researcher 
  • Think Tank Analyst
  • Research Fellow
  • Public Opinion Analyst
  • Research Director
  • Intellectual Property Consultant
  • Copyright and Trademark Expert
  • Publishing Editor 
  • Literary Agent 
  • Academic Publishing Specialist
  • Military Ethics Advisor
  • Defense Policy Analyst
  • Intelligence Officer 
  • Security Analyst
  • Military Strategist
  • Strategic Consultant
  • Risk Management Specialist
  • Ethics Consultant 
  • Crisis Management Consultant
  • International Relations Consultant 
  • Leadership Development Coach

As a Philosophy major, you’ll explore profound questions about ethics, knowledge, reality, and existence.

You won’t only study complex ideas—you’ll learn how to analyze, challenge, and develop your own arguments with confidence. Through in-depth discussion and critical analysis, you’ll also build valuable skills in logical reasoning.

These skills prepare you for a wide range of careers in diverse fields. With a Philosophy degree, you can pursue careers in law, public policy, education, writing, business, and more.

Your sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities will help you excel in roles that require strategic thinking and thoughtful communication. Explore the various career paths for Philosophy majors:

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