B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Applied Philosophy
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Applied Philosophy at Whittier College goes beyond purely abstract philosophical inquiry. It encourages students to delve into philosophical foundations, controversies, and the broader significance of an area of interest outside of philosophy. This innovative approach allows students to integrate philosophical tools and methodologies with the specific challenges and knowledge base of another field, such as law, economics, political science, environmental studies, or the sciences. The aim is to produce graduates who can not only understand complex ethical and theoretical problems but also apply philosophical insights to practical situations.
Curriculum: The Applied Philosophy curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure both breadth in philosophical understanding and depth in the chosen applied field. Core philosophical requirements typically include a range of courses covering the history of world philosophies (e.g., Ancient Greek, Chinese, Africana, Modern, Buddhist Philosophy) and specialized areas like values, nature, and culture (e.g., Eco-Philosophy, Contemporary Social Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy). A defining feature is the requirement for a significant number of credits from a chosen field of concentration outside of philosophy, selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. Crucially, a "bridge" course in philosophy connects the philosophical learning to the chosen applied field, ensuring a cohesive interdisciplinary experience. All Applied Philosophy majors are required to complete a Senior Thesis of at least 5,000 words, demonstrating advanced philosophical inquiry.
Research Focus: Research and original inquiry are central to the Applied Philosophy program. Students are actively encouraged to engage in rigorous philosophical investigation, often applying their philosophical frameworks to analyze issues within their chosen concentration. The Senior Thesis, a capstone requirement, involves substantial independent research where students explore a philosophical problem in depth, drawing connections to their applied field and developing their own well-reasoned arguments. Opportunities exist for students to present their scholarly work at the college's annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, showcasing their ability to synthesize philosophical concepts with real-world applications. Faculty in the Philosophy Department, with their diverse areas of expertise, provide close mentorship throughout the research process.
Industry Engagement: While philosophy cultivates highly transferable intellectual skills, the "Applied" aspect of this major at Whittier College directly enhances industry engagement. By formally integrating a concentration in another discipline, students gain specialized knowledge and a vocabulary relevant to specific professional fields. The critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities developed are highly valued across numerous industries, including law, business, government, and non-profit sectors. Whittier's Center for Career and Professional Development actively supports students in identifying relevant internships that allow them to apply their unique interdisciplinary skills in practical settings. This prepares graduates to enter the workforce with a distinct advantage, capable of addressing complex issues with a philosophical and practical lens.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is deeply interwoven into Whittier College's Applied Philosophy program through the comprehensive study of diverse philosophical traditions from around the world (e.g., Ancient Greek, Chinese, Africana, Buddhist Philosophies). This broad exposure fosters a nuanced understanding of varying worldviews and ethical frameworks. Furthermore, the selection of an "applied" concentration can often lend itself to global issues, such as international development, global ethics, or environmental justice. Whittier College strongly encourages and supports study abroad opportunities through its Office of International Programs and the Global Poet Scholarship, allowing students to experience different cultural contexts firsthand. This international immersion can significantly enrich a student's philosophical perspective and their ability to engage with global challenges from an ethically informed standpoint.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Philosophy from Whittier College provides graduates with a distinctive and highly marketable skillset, combining rigorous philosophical inquiry with specialized knowledge in a chosen applied field.
Lawyer / Paralegal: The core of philosophical training in logic, argumentation, and ethical reasoning is an ideal foundation for legal careers. Applied Philosophy majors, especially those with a concentration in pre-law, are exceptionally well-prepared for law school and subsequent roles as attorneys or paralegals.
Bioethicist / Healthcare Ethicist: With an applied concentration in biology, healthcare, or related sciences, graduates can work in hospitals, research institutions, or government agencies, advising on complex moral dilemmas in medicine, biotechnology, and public health policy.
Policy Analyst (Specialized Field): Combining philosophical ethics and logic with a concentration in political science, economics, or environmental studies, graduates can become highly effective policy analysts. They research, evaluate, and advocate for policies in specialized areas such as environmental regulations, social welfare, or international relations.
Management Consultant (Ethical/Strategy Focus): Applied Philosophy majors bring a unique perspective to consulting. They can help businesses and organizations navigate ethical challenges, develop socially responsible strategies, and analyze complex problems with a critical, values-driven lens.
Data Ethicist / AI Ethicist: As technology advances, the demand for ethical oversight grows. Graduates with an applied focus on computer science, technology, or cognitive science can work in tech companies, research labs, or government, ensuring that artificial intelligence and data practices are developed and used responsibly and ethically.
Journalist / Investigative Reporter (Ethical/Social Issues): The ability to critically analyze information, question assumptions, and articulate complex ideas clearly makes applied philosophy majors excellent journalists, particularly when covering stories involving ethical controversies, social justice, or the philosophical implications of current events.
Human Resources Manager (Ethics/DEI focus): Understanding human behavior, ethical workplace practices, and the complexities of diverse perspectives positions graduates well for HR roles, particularly in fostering ethical corporate cultures and developing robust diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Non-profit Program Manager (Specialized Cause): Combining philosophical commitment to justice with an applied concentration (e.g., in social work, environmental studies, or international relations) allows graduates to lead programs for non-profits focused on specific causes, ensuring their work is ethically grounded and effectively addresses systemic issues.
Research Analyst (Interdisciplinary): The rigorous research training in philosophy, coupled with expertise in another field, makes graduates strong candidates for interdisciplinary research roles in academic institutions, think tanks, or specialized research firms, analyzing complex problems from multiple angles.
Compliance Officer: In highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or government, graduates can ensure that organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards. Their analytical skills are crucial for interpreting regulations and developing compliance frameworks.
