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Philosophy (B.A.)

Combine Logic and Ethics with Your Interests

Explore life’s deepest questions while building essential critical thinking skills with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy from the University of Dayton. Offered through the Department of Philosophy, our comprehensive curriculum integrates logic, ethics, the history of philosophy and a generous number of electives that allow you to pursue your own particular interests. You can tailor your studies with flexible electives, participate in real-world undergraduate research or fast-track your legal education through our accelerated 3+3 J.D. program.

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Fast Facts

Double Major

many philosophy students pursue a double major

3 + 3 J.D.

through the 3 + 3 J.D. Program
About the Philosophy (B.A.) Program

Why study philosophy at UD?

Matriculate Directly to UD School of Law

Driven, high-achieving philosophy majors are now eligible to matriculate directly into the University of Dayton School of Law. Undergraduates must participate in the Core Program and declare a philosophy major by the end of the fall semester of their second year.

Philosophy Events

The Department of Philosophy hosts events, like the Baker Colloquium in Philosophy — a biennial conference on the UD campus that brings philosophers from across the nation and around the world to discuss a given issue or topic.

An Emphasis on Ethics and Social Justice

Our curriculum's strong emphasis on ethics and social justice embodies the Marianist values of service, justice and peace.

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Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about philosophy at UD.

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How do I apply to the philosophy program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Philosophy (B.A.) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

The objective of the philosophy major program is to provide students with the opportunity to understand contemporary philosophy in view of the history of philosophy. Students majoring in philosophy must successfully complete a minimum of 30 semester hours. The philosophy major program is also offered in India in conjunction with the Marianists. Consult the department chairperson for further information.

3+3 J.D.

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Transfer and Exam Credits
3+3 J.D. Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • ASI 101 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CAP Mathematics
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • ASI 102 – Humanistic Inquiry in the World
    6
  • CAP Social Science Course
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Language 141
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • PHL 352 – Modern Philosophy
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Social Science
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • UD Mini Course
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • PHL 350 – Classical Greek Philosophy
    3
  • PHL 312 – Ethics
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • B.A. Natural Science or Math
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • PHL 302 – Symbolic Logic
    3
  • PHL Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • PHL 379 – Latin American Philosophy
    3
  • B.A. Humanities (other than PHL)
    3
  • PHL Electives
    6
  • General Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • PHL 331 – Science, Values & Society
    3
  • PHL 440 – Seminar - Advanced Problems in Philosophy
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • PHL 480 – Senior Capstone
    0
  • PHL 451 – Seminar - Individual Philosophers
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 12
* Or another ethics course.
** Or another global philosophies course.
*** Or another knowledge and reality course.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program Information and Sample Plan of Study

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • L2 Language 101
    3
  • Major Required Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Natural Science (with lab)
    4
  • L2 Language 141
    3
  • Major Required Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • CAP Second Year English
    3
  • CAP Math
    3
  • L2 Language 201 or Contextual Course
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • Major Required Electives (2 Required Choices)
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies, Faith Traditions
    3
  • Arts
    3
  • Social Sciences
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • Major Required Elective
    3
  • Open PHL Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • CAP Advanced History, Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Natural Sciences / Math
    3
  • Humanities
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • Major Required Seminar
    3
  • Open PHL Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • CAP Major capstone (PHL 480)
    3
  • Depth Electives (3 Courses)
    9
  • Major Required Seminar
    3
  • Open PHL Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 18

* L2 is a language other than English.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more. And find additional information, including next steps, on the 3+3 J.D. page.

Transfer and Exam Credits
3+3 J.D. Program
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Gaining Critical Skills

Eleanor Yates-McEwan decided to major in philosophy at the University of Dayton because it teaches students how to think critically, analyze information and problem-solve. "Those are skills that are essential to be an attorney."

Explore the Philosophy + J.D. Program

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for UD graduates in all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Philosophy Experience

Core Program

All first-year philosophy majors are enrolled in our Core program. To deepen the learning experience, Core students live together while participating in an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum.

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Dayton Civic Scholars

Through the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, students in the Dayton Civic Scholars program make a three-year commitment to engaging and serving the Dayton community.

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Richard R. Baker Philosophy Colloquium

With focus on either a set of philosophical issues or the work of a renowned individual philosopher, the Richard R. Baker Philosophy Colloquium brings outstanding scholars from across the country to campus to present and discuss their research.

Explore More Philosophy Events and Opportunities

Dean's Summer Fellowship Program

The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.

Learn More About the Dean's Summer Fellowship Program
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.
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Ready to Study Philosophy?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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