Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Kansas offers students a comprehensive exploration of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reasoning. This program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and historical perspectives. Through a diverse curriculum that includes courses in logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy, students engage with both classical and contemporary philosophical debates. The program emphasizes the development of clear communication skills and rigorous analytical abilities, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in areas such as law, education, public policy, business, and academia. Students have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of interest through elective courses and to participate in seminars, research projects, and conferences that foster intellectual growth and professional development. The faculty members are active researchers and experienced educators dedicated to mentoring students and encouraging independent thinking. Additionally, the program encourages students to consider the ethical implications of philosophical questions and to apply philosophical methods to real-world issues. With access to a variety of interdisciplinary courses and research facilities, students gain a well-rounded education that emphasizes both theory and practical application. Graduates of the Philosophy program at the University of Kansas are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or to enter the workforce with a strong foundation in critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. Overall, the program aims to produce thoughtful, informed, and ethical individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society through the pursuit of philosophical inquiry.

The department offers thesis and non-thesis M.A. options. Both require:

1. 30 credit hours of graduate work in philosophy with a grade of B- or higher, with a GPA of at least 3.0 over all courses in philosophy. At least 15 of these hours must be in courses numbered 800 or above and, for the thesis option, may include up to 6 hours of PHIL 899 Master’s Thesis. Students must complete two courses at the 500 level or above (or the equivalent) in each of these areas: history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology (broadly construed), and value theory. Courses taken during the undergraduate career may be counted toward these area requirements, but such work does not count toward the overall 30-hour graduate credit requirement unless the student took this course work for graduate credit and it has department approval.
2. PHIL 800 Tutorial must be taken in the first year of study
3. A final examination:
   1. For the thesis option, the student must submit an acceptable thesis and pass a 2-part oral or written examination including 1 part covering the material of the M.A. program generally and a second part devoted to a defense of the thesis.
   2. For the non-thesis option, the student must pass an oral examination covering the material of the M.A. program. The non-thesis option final exam can be satisfied by Ph.D. students who successfully complete PHIL 901 Ph.D. Tutorial with a grade of B or higher.

• Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a grade-point average of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) from KU, regionally accredited institution, or foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor's degree requirements. The bachelor's degree is not acceptable if it contains credit awarded for work experience that was not directly supervised by faculty members of an accredited university or not evaluated in units that identify the academic content.
• Proof of a bachelor's degree (plus any post-bachelor's coursework/degrees) is required, as well as proof of English proficiency for international applicants and domestic non-native English speakers. Individual programs will have additional admissions requirements

Applicants are expected to have taken the following seven courses or their equivalents as preparation for graduate work:

• symbolic logic
• history of ancient philosophy
• history of modern philosophy
• history of 20th-century analytic philosophy (roughly from Frege to Quine)
• history of 19th/20th-century Continental philosophy
• value theory
• metaphysics/epistemology (broadly construed to include philosophy of language and philosophy of mind).

• Students may be admitted without some of these courses, but they are expected to make up the deficiencies early in their graduate careers and outside of the minimum hours required for degree.

While it is not guaranteed, the department does its best to provide funding in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) appointments to all incoming graduate students.  GTA appointments are awarded for the academic year and come with:

• a competitive academic year (9 month) salary
• a 100% tuition waiver for all courses at KU
• payment of up to 3 hours of student fees
• optional University-subsidized group health insurance 

The appointments are guaranteed based on performance for up to 3 years for M.A. students, and 6 years for students who receive both an M.A. and a Ph.D. at The University of Kansas.  GTAs in the department receive thorough training in language instruction, close mentoring, and the opportunity to teach French at a variety of levels, providing them with a strong base of teaching experience upon entering the job market. Additional information about teaching for the department is available on the Graduate Funding page of our departmental website.

Post-comprehensive students completing their dissertations are also eligible to apply for 1 of the the departmental Max Kade Dissertation Fellowships.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Kansas offers students a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental questions and issues that have shaped human thought across centuries. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and persuasive argumentation, providing students with the skills necessary to analyze complex texts, formulate well-structured arguments, and approach ethical and metaphysical questions with rigor. The curriculum includes a broad range of courses covering classical and contemporary philosophy, ethics, logic, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, allowing students to explore a diverse array of philosophical traditions and ideas.

Students have the opportunity to engage deeply with texts from prominent philosophers such as Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, and contemporary figures, fostering a nuanced understanding of philosophical discourse. The program encourages the development of writing and communication skills through substantial research papers, presentations, and discussions, preparing graduates for careers in law, education, journalism, public policy, and other fields that require analytical and ethical reasoning. Additionally, the University of Kansas supports undergraduate research initiatives, internships, and study abroad opportunities, enhancing the educational experience.

Faculty members in the Philosophy Department are actively involved in ongoing research and publish widely in their fields, providing students with mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge philosophical debates. The department also hosts lectures, seminars, and conferences, creating an intellectually stimulating environment for students. With a flexible curriculum and the option for minors and double majors, students can tailor their degree to align with their academic interests and career goals. Graduates of the program are equipped with critical skills and a philosophical perspective that benefits a range of professional pursuits, making the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy a compelling choice for students interested in exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reasoning.