B.A. in Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers students a thorough grounding in philosophical thought and critical reasoning. This program is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and logic. Students explore a wide range of philosophical traditions and theories, developing analytical skills that are applicable across various fields.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Philosophy at FAU is structured to provide a comprehensive education in philosophical inquiry. Core courses cover essential areas such as logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Students have the flexibility to choose electives that align with their interests, including topics in contemporary philosophy, philosophy of science, and political philosophy. The program emphasizes critical thinking and argumentative skills, with coursework designed to enhance students' ability to analyze complex problems and construct well-reasoned arguments.

Research Focus: FAU's B.A. in Philosophy encourages students to engage in independent research projects that explore various philosophical issues. The program supports research in diverse areas including ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, and the philosophy of mind. Students have opportunities to work closely with faculty members on research initiatives and contribute to scholarly discussions in philosophy. This focus on research helps students develop their own philosophical viewpoints and prepares them for advanced studies or professional roles that require strong analytical skills.

Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Philosophy program at FAU fosters industry engagement through various avenues. Students can participate in internships and community projects that apply philosophical skills to real-world problems. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to engage with professionals in fields such as law, public policy, and education, where philosophical training is highly valued. These experiences help students connect their academic knowledge with practical applications and build a network of professional contacts.

Global Perspective: The program incorporates a global perspective by exposing students to philosophical traditions and debates from around the world. Courses may cover topics such as Eastern philosophy, comparative philosophy, and global ethics, providing students with a broader understanding of how philosophical issues are approached in different cultural and historical contexts. This global outlook enriches students' philosophical education and prepares them to engage with diverse viewpoints and challenges.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 110.

Standardized Test Requirements:

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): Overall score of 1220 is required.
• ACT (American College Testing): Overall score of 26 is required.

To support this mission, the university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities tailored to the needs of international students.

International Freshman Scholarships: FAU offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding international freshman applicants. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and standardized test scores. Awards can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

International Transfer Scholarships: International students transferring to FAU from other institutions can apply for transfer scholarships. These awards recognize academic accomplishments at the previous institution and can help offset the cost of tuition at FAU.

Diversity Scholarships: FAU values diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Scholarship is available to students who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in their academic and extracurricular activities.

Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at FAU offer scholarships specific to their disciplines. International students are encouraged to explore opportunities within their respective fields of study.

Global Student Success Program Scholarships: FAU partners with the Global Student Success Program (GSSP) to offer conditional admission and scholarship opportunities to international students who need additional English language preparation before starting their degree programs.

Private Scholarships: FAU assists international students in identifying external scholarship opportunities. This includes scholarships from foundations, organizations, and government programs in the students' home countries.

FAFSA for Eligible Non-Citizens: Some international students may be eligible to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as eligible non-citizens. This can potentially provide access to federal grants and loans.

Cultural and Exchange Scholarships: FAU participates in cultural exchange programs that offer scholarships to international students. These programs promote cultural understanding and academic exchange.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) provides graduates with a versatile skill set that opens up a variety of career paths. The program’s focus on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical analysis prepares students for roles across numerous fields.

Law: Philosophy graduates often pursue careers in law due to their strong analytical and argumentative skills. The ability to think critically and construct persuasive arguments is highly valued in legal professions. Many graduates go on to attend law school and become attorneys, judges, or legal consultants.

Public Policy and Government: The analytical and ethical training provided by a philosophy degree is useful in public policy and governmental roles. Graduates can work as policy analysts, legislative aides, or public affairs specialists, where they apply their understanding of ethical reasoning and critical analysis to develop and evaluate policies.

Education: With a B.A. in Philosophy, graduates can pursue teaching positions at various educational levels. They can also work in educational administration or curriculum development, where their ability to think deeply about complex issues benefits educational programs and student learning.

Business and Management: Philosophy graduates are well-prepared for careers in business and management due to their strong problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically. They can pursue roles such as business analysts, human resources specialists, or managers, where their critical thinking abilities and ethical perspectives are advantageous.

Nonprofit Sector: The ethical and analytical skills gained from studying philosophy are valuable in the nonprofit sector. Graduates can work in roles such as program coordinators, grant writers, or development officers, focusing on social justice, community development, and advocacy.

Publishing and Writing: Philosophy graduates often find careers in publishing, writing, or journalism. Their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively is beneficial in creating content, editing, or researching for various publications.

Consulting: The problem-solving and critical analysis skills developed through a philosophy degree can be applied in consulting roles. Graduates can work as consultants in various industries, providing insights and strategies based on their deep understanding of complex issues.

Further Education: Many philosophy graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as philosophy, political science, history, or religious studies. The critical thinking and research skills developed during their undergraduate studies provide a strong foundation for graduate-level research and academic careers.