Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina offers the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in philosophy. Ours is an intellectually active community that offers a congenial environment. Here, philosophy is one discipline—and one undergraduate major or minor—among many. Philosophy fundamentally involves disciplined reflection about our world, ourselves, the good life, and our dealings with one another, as well as an expanding range of other matters of interest and importance. When properly pursued, it enhances analytical, critical, and interpretive abilities that are useful in a multitude of professions. It also develops intellectual abilities important for life as a whole: the capacities and appetite for self-expression and examination, for exchange and debate of ideas, for life-long learning, and for dealing with problems for which there are no easy answers. Throughout history philosophy has played a major role in bringing about changes in thought that have enabled modern science, religious toleration, and social and political reform. As a field, philosophy possesses great personal value, even if the relationship to a future career is indirect. Philosophy is a popular choice for double majors or as a minor for students who are interested in personal enrichment. Study of philosophy usually stimulates a life-long commitment to reflection and research. Philosophy is a discipline that can serve you well—both professionally and personally—in whatever you may choose to do after graduation.
Career Opportunities
Because of the critical and high-order thinking and analytical skills required of philosophy majors, graduates are employed in many fields. A major in philosophy provides particularly good training for a career in law. Many positions require some graduate study. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
• law and medicine
• banking, retail management, industrial marketing, distribution, and production
• consumer sales/services, insurance industry, grant development
• state, federal, local, and community agencies
• social and human services
Program of Study (120 hours)
The baccalaureate curriculum requires 53 to 62 hours of general education requirements, 24 hours of major requirements composed of philosophy courses numbered 201 or above, and 12 hours of cognates from the College of Arts and Sciences. The philosophy major requires Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Logic I, and 24 credit hours in courses numbered 201 and above, which must include History of Philosophy, Fields of Philosophy, and Seminar in Philosophy. The foreign languages recommended for students majoring in philosophy are French, German, Greek, and Latin. The Departmental Undergraduate Research Track is available to students majoring in Philosophy who wish to participate in significant research activities in collaboration with, or under the supervision of, a faculty member. To be eligible for a B.A. with Distinction, a student must have a minimum of 3.50 GPA overall and 3.30 in major. They must also take Senior Thesis (PHIL 495) and produce a piece of original research and a public presentation of the research in a venue approved by the faculty mentor. Students who successfully complete this tract will be awarded their degree with “Distinction in Philosophy” upon graduation.
Of Special Interest
The department offers more than 50 philosophy courses, and its Philosophy Club, a student-sponsored organization, meets regularly to read and discuss faculty and student papers. All faculty members in the department hold doctorates and are noted for expertise in various areas of philosophy. They’ll advise you on an appropriate curriculum, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning. USC houses the editorial offices of three philosophical journals: the International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, and Techné. We are leading a large interdisciplinary National Science Foundation–funded project that examines nanotechnology in society. USC is also home to the South Carolina Delta chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the national honor society for philosophy.