Philosophy, B.A. (Madrid)
Why major in philosophy? There are at least two reasons. Philosophy dives beneath life's surface, so if you want to think deeply, philosophy is for you. Philosophy is doubly for you if you want to develop skills that will help you in the job market: clear writing, insightful research, careful analysis and critical thinking.
Major in Philosophy
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, you will study at both of Saint Louis University's campuses: Madrid and St. Louis. One semester of study in St. Louis is required.
For more than two centuries, Saint Louis University has promoted philosophical thinking in the Jesuit-Catholic tradition. SLU-Madrid offers a full range of courses in philosophy, including courses on Spanish philosophy, computer ethics, social and political philosophy, business ethics, the meaning of life, and Latin American philosophy.
Courses that fulfill the university's liberal arts core requirements count toward both the philosophy major and minor and enhance the study-abroad experience for visiting students.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the University-wide website.
The philosophy major requires 120 credit hours of coursework, including 30 credit hours of philosophy coursework. The standard or general philosophy major provides students with a solid foundation in critical philosophical thinking, while leaving significant room to focus on their personal interests in philosophy.
Major Requirements (30 credit hours)
- PHIL 1050 Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 2050 Ethics (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 4040 Symbolic Logic (3 credit hours, available at the St. Louis Campus)
- Two courses with the History of Philosophy attribute, currently only available at the St. Louis Campus (6 credit hours)
- Four elective courses, two of which must be at the 4000 level (12 credit hours)
- PHIL 4880 Senior Inquiry (3 credit hours)
Minor Requirements
The philosophy minor requires 18 credit hours of coursework, as follows:
- PHIL 1050 Introduction to Philosophy: Self and Reality (3 credit hours)
- PHIL 2050 Ethics (3 credit hours)
- Four elective courses, all of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level (12 credit hours)
PHIL 1050, PHIL 2050, and one of the upper-level courses will also satisfy the University's philosophy core requirement.
The study of philosophy will prepare you for any field where clear, concise communication and analytic reasoning is needed. Studies in philosophy help students prepare for entrance exams for professional programs and provide a firm foundation for future studies in law, business or medicine.
SLU-Madrid's professors have strong records of scholarly achievement in many areas of philosophy, including ethics and social and political philosophy.
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid Campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.
To be certified for graduation, you are required to:
- Have at least a 2.00 cumulative average, a 2.00 average in the major and a 2.00 average in the minor or related elective hours.
- Complete 30 of your final 36 credits at Saint Louis University (either the Madrid or St. Louis campus).
- Submit the online application for degree before the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate.