Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Philosophy
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Philosophy at Saint Mary's College is rooted in the tradition of inquiry, encouraging students to grapple with life's most important questions. It emphasizes developing a "Philosophical Habit of Mind," which includes the ability to situate oneself within Western philosophical traditions, account for the basis of one's actions, reckon with consequences, and discern connections between ethical reflection and metaphysical positions. The program aims to cultivate truth-seekers and difference-makers, grounding students in essential topics, thinkers, and movements while fostering intellectual growth and wisdom in a supportive, Lasallian-Catholic environment.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Philosophy at Saint Mary's College is structured to provide a comprehensive exploration of key philosophical periods, thinkers, and branches. Core courses typically include foundational introductions to philosophy, ethics, and critical thinking. Students delve into the history of philosophy, covering ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods, exploring major figures from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes, Kant, and more recent thinkers. Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas such as metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, environmental ethics, and the philosophy of art. Some programs might offer specific concentrations, such as a "Law, Ethics, and Politics" concentration, which integrates philosophical study with legal structures and political theory. The curriculum emphasizes close reading of primary texts, vigorous discussion, and the development of clear, persuasive written arguments.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Philosophy at Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on intellectual inquiry and rigorous analytical "research." While not laboratory-based, this research involves deep engagement with philosophical texts, concepts, and arguments. Students are trained to "think precisely and analytically," to "craft arguments," and to "evaluate various forms of reasoning." A significant component of the program is often a senior comprehensive project or thesis, where students work one-on-one with a faculty member to conduct in-depth research on a philosophical topic of their choice. This independent research process allows students to investigate an area of particular interest, apply their critical thinking skills, and contribute original philosophical perspectives.
Industry Engagement: The B.A. in Philosophy at Saint Mary's College, while not having direct "industry partnerships" in the traditional sense of a STEM or business program, emphasizes the development of highly transferable skills that are universally valued across industries. The department explicitly highlights that studying philosophy develops the "ability to think critically about complex and varied topics," "to argue persuasively and logically," "to ask the right questions," and "to communicate ideas effectively, both in speech and in writing." These are precisely the soft skills that employers consistently seek. Graduates find success in diverse fields such as law, business, politics, journalism, and teaching, demonstrating the broad applicability of a philosophy degree. The College's career center and faculty mentorship also support students in identifying and pursuing relevant opportunities.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Philosophy at Saint Mary's College inherently fosters a global perspective by engaging with a rich tradition of thought that spans millennia and crosses cultural boundaries. While traditionally strong in Western philosophy (from Plato to contemporary thinkers), the curriculum may include courses that explore "philosophical thought from around the world" or specific traditions such as "Philosophy of World Cultures," including Asian, African, and Native American philosophies. The program's core aim to understand fundamental questions of existence and value, often through the lens of diverse historical and cultural contexts, naturally broadens students' worldviews. Furthermore, Saint Mary's College encourages study abroad, allowing philosophy students to immerse themselves in new cultures and gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives that enrich their philosophical inquiry.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in Philosophy are distinguished by their highly developed analytical and critical thinking abilities. They are adept at dissecting complex arguments, identifying logical fallacies, and constructing clear, coherent, and persuasive reasoning.
Lawyer/Paralegal: Philosophy provides an outstanding foundation for legal careers, fostering the critical thinking, logical reasoning, and argumentation skills essential for legal analysis, debate, and writing. (Lawyer requires a Juris Doctor degree.)
Policy Analyst: Researches, evaluates, and advises on public policies for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, leveraging their ability to analyze complex issues and ethical implications.
Journalist/Writer/Editor: The rigorous training in clear, concise, and persuasive writing, along with the ability to scrutinize information and construct compelling narratives, makes philosophy graduates excellent communicators in media and publishing.
Management Consultant: Advises businesses and organizations on improving efficiency and solving complex problems, drawing on their analytical prowess, problem-solving skills, and ability to think strategically.
Human Resources Manager: Applies ethical reasoning and an understanding of human behavior to create fair workplace policies, mediate conflicts, and foster an inclusive organizational culture.
Educator/Professor (K-12 or Higher Education): Teaches philosophy, ethics, or related humanities subjects (requiring additional certification for K-12, or graduate degrees for higher education), or brings a critical thinking approach to teaching any subject.
Ethicist (e.g., Clinical Ethicist, Bioethicist): Works in healthcare, research, or corporate settings to provide guidance on moral dilemmas and help develop ethical policies, requiring a deep understanding of moral philosophy. (Often requires advanced degrees, such as in bioethics or law.)
Non-profit Program Manager/Administrator: Manages programs and initiatives for non-profit organizations, leveraging strong organizational skills, ethical considerations, and the ability to articulate a mission persuasively.
Data Analyst (with additional training): While not a direct STEM degree, the logical and analytical rigor of philosophy trains the mind for abstract problem-solving, making graduates well-prepared to learn data analysis tools and interpret complex datasets.
Public Relations Specialist: Crafts compelling messages and manages public perception for organizations, utilizing strong communication skills, an understanding of audience, and the ability to frame arguments effectively.
