Philosophy, B.A.

The mission of Saint Louis University's Department of Philosophy is to provide a philosophical education appropriate to Catholic and Jesuit education goals. This goal is rooted in the fundamental Catholic belief that all human experience reveals and speaks to the existence and nature of God and the dignity and value of all human beings in themselves and as members of the human community.

The department strives to provide an excellent introduction to the discipline and practice of philosophy. The SLU faculty seeks to build up in students the ability to understand, explain and evaluate lines of reasoning; to foster a reflective moral life; and to educate them on the history of philosophy, contemporary philosophical debate and the Catholic heritage. The faculty nurtures in each student a philosophical habit of mind, an appreciation for the Western philosophical tradition, a spirit of intellectual inquiry and a lifelong desire for wisdom.

Curriculum Overview

The Department of Philosophy in SLU's College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy that provides students with a solid foundation in critical philosophical thinking while leaving significant room to focus on their interests in philosophy.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The department offers a wide range of opportunities for philosophical exchange and dialogue, both within the intellectual community of the University and with the broader philosophical community. These opportunities include visiting scholars, departmental colloquia, the annual Wade Memorial Lecture, various conferences, reading groups and graduate student talks.

• Students can get to know other philosophy majors through the Philosophy Club.
• The Vatican Microfilm Library, located on campus, is the finest resource in the United States for medieval and Renaissance studies research.
• The Department of Philosophy has an internationally regarded journal.

Careers

The benefits of SLU's philosophy program include several career opportunities. Students who pursue a degree in philosophy at SLU will find themselves well-prepared for many career options. Philosophy provides, for example, excellent training for those interested in pursuing professional degrees in law, business or medicine.

Not only do philosophy majors at SLU excel on entrance exams for professional programs, but the analytical and communication skills they develop in their philosophical studies are essential for their future success in these programs. The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for any career that focuses on clarity, concision and analytic reasoning.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will be able to synthesize knowledge of two different periods of Western philosophy.
2. Graduates will be able to correctly employ principles of logical reasoning in philosophical analysis.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze and defend a philosophical position on a philosophical problem.
4. Graduates will be able to gather sources relevant to a philosophical problem.
5. Graduates will be able to interpret sources relevant to a philosophical problem.
6. Graduates will be able to synthesize sources relevant to a philosophical problem.

Philosophy students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in philosophy major coursework to be retained in the major.

Philosophy Electives 

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
• Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Note: SLU-Madrid and SLU-St. Louis program requirements vary slightly by campus.

Why major in philosophy? There are at least two reasons. Philosophy dives beneath life's surface, so if you want to think deeply, philosophy is for you. Philosophy is doubly for you if you want to develop skills that will help you in the job market: clear writing, insightful research, careful analysis and critical thinking.

Curriculum Overview

The philosophy major requires 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits of philosophy coursework. The standard or general philosophy major provides students with a solid foundation in critical philosophical thinking, while leaving significant room to focus on their personal interests in philosophy.

To earn a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, you will study at both of Saint Louis University's campuses: Madrid and St. Louis. One semester of study in St. Louis is required.

For more than two centuries, Saint Louis University has promoted philosophical thinking in the Jesuit-Catholic tradition. SLU-Madrid offers a full range of courses in philosophy, including courses on Spanish philosophy, computer ethics, social and political philosophy, business ethics, the meaning of life, and Latin American philosophy.

Courses that fulfill the university's liberal arts core requirements count toward both the philosophy major and minor and enhance the study-abroad experience for visiting students.

Fieldwork, Internships and Careers

The study of philosophy will prepare you for any field where clear, concise communication and analytic reasoning is needed. Studies in philosophy help students prepare for entrance exams for professional programs and provide a firm foundation for future studies in law, business or medicine.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.

Tuition and Fees

SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu. 

• Tuition and Fees
• Scholarships and Financial Aid

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

• Philosophy, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)