B.A. in Philosophy

Program Overview

Lycoming College's Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy encourages students to deeply engage with the fundamental questions that have shaped human thought for millennia. This program fosters rigorous critical thinking, precise argumentation, and clear communication by exploring core philosophical traditions, including Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary Philosophy. It is designed not only for students who wish to specialize in philosophy but also serves as an excellent complement to nearly any other major, deepening a liberal arts education and providing highly transferable analytical skills. Graduates are prepared for a fulfilling range of careers that value intellectual agility, ethical understanding, and logical reasoning, as well as for advanced graduate studies, particularly in fields like law.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Philosophy at Lycoming College is structured to provide a comprehensive exploration of philosophical thought. It typically requires eight courses, including foundational studies in critical thinking and a capstone seminar. Students delve into historical periods by taking courses in Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Philosophy, gaining a broad understanding of the evolution of philosophical ideas. Beyond these core requirements, the curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to choose electives that align with their specific interests, such as ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, or existentialism. The program strongly emphasizes intensive reading of primary philosophical texts, engaging in focused classroom discussions, and developing sophisticated argumentative writing skills.

Research Focus: Lycoming College strongly champions undergraduate research, and the Philosophy program provides significant opportunities for students to engage in scholarly inquiry. While there isn't a dedicated "Philosophy Research Center," students greatly benefit from the resources and support provided by the college's Humanities Research Center (HRC). The HRC actively supports collaborative student-faculty research, guided scholarship, and digital humanities projects. Philosophy majors have valuable opportunities to present their original research at the annual Lycoming College Undergraduate Humanities Research Conference or contribute their scholarly work to student-edited publications like The Mid-Atlantic Humanities Review. Faculty members, who hold the highest degrees in their field, are committed mentors who guide students in their research, fostering intellectual curiosity and developing advanced analytical and interpretive skills crucial for academic and professional success.

Industry Engagement: Lycoming College is deeply committed to bridging academic learning with practical career preparation. Although Philosophy may not have direct "industry" connections in the same way a business or STEM major might, the program cultivates highly transferable skills that are immensely valuable across a wide range of professional fields. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) plays a crucial role in assisting students in securing internships that capitalize on their research, analytical, and communication proficiencies. These opportunities might include positions in legal offices, non-profit organizations focused on ethics or advocacy, think tanks, or in fields like journalism, public policy, or human resources, where critical thinking and ethical reasoning are highly sought after. The college's emphasis on a liberal arts education ensures graduates are adaptable and possess the sophisticated problem-solving skills demanded by diverse employers.

Global Perspective: A strong global perspective is an integral part of the B.A. in Philosophy at Lycoming College. The curriculum explicitly covers philosophical traditions from various "periods and places, including Ancient Greek Philosophy in Athens; Medieval Philosophy in Rome, Paris, and North Africa; Modern Philosophy in France, Germany, Holland, and England; Contemporary Philosophy in the US, England, Germany, and Australia." This global approach ensures students are exposed to diverse philosophical viewpoints and cultural contexts. Furthermore, Lycoming College strongly encourages study abroad experiences through its Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE). Students can participate in May Term travel courses (e.g., to Iceland), or pursue semester-long programs that allow them to immerse themselves in different cultural and academic environments, gaining firsthand experience of how philosophical questions manifest across diverse societies, thereby significantly enhancing their global awareness and cross-cultural understanding.