Program: Philosophy (BA) - American University

Apr 05, 2025

American University Catalog 2022-2023

Offered by the Department of Philosophy and Religion , College of Arts and Sciences .

Admission to the Program

Admission is through a formal declaration of major.

University Requirements

120 credit hours with minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 2 )
Completion of all requirements for a major (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 9 )

AU Core Requirements

Completion of AU Core foundation requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.2-8.6 )
Completion of AU Core Habits of Mind requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.7 )
Completion of AU Core integrative course requirements (Undergraduate Academic Regulation 8.8-8.11 )

For additional information, see AU Core Curriculum .

Major Requirements

39 credit hours with grades of C or better, including at least 18 credit hours at or above 300-level, and a maximum of 6 credit hours from RELG coursework

Course Requirements

Foundation (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

Concentration (15 credit hours)

Complete 15 credit hours from one of the following concentrations if not taken to fulfill Foundation, with at least 12 credit hours at or above 300-level, or other courses approved by program director:

Note: A maximum of 6 credit hours from RELG coursework may be counted toward major requirements.

Ethics in Society

Global Philosophy and Culture

Justice and Power

Capstone (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved coursework:

Electives (12 credit hours)

Complete 12 credit hours from the following if not taken to fulfill Foundation or Concentration, or other courses approved by program director:

Note: A maximum of 6 credit hours from RELG coursework may be counted toward major requirements.

Combined Philosophy (BA) and Philosophy (MA)

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s / Master’s Program and Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for more information.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for combined bachelor’s/master’s programs:

Admission is open to undergraduates with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 overall and in philosophy courses. Applications must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an academic writing sample. Students should discuss their interest in the program with members of the faculty before submitting a formal application