Philosophy BA
Enhance your critical thinking with an online Philosophy degree!
Program-at-a-Glance (Undergraduate)
Credit Hours:
Total Hours: 124
Major Area of Study: 30-33
Additional Requirements: 9-18
Cost per Credit Hour:
$416.59
Completion Time:
2-4 years
University Accreditation:
Special Requirements:
No additional requirements
Learn more about this program:
The online Philosophy degree from The University of Southern Mississippi is for the those who question the world around them and think critically. Whether you want to improve your problem solving skills or pursue a specialized graduate degree, you can find what you’re looking for with our online Philosophy degree.
The skills you will develop by studying philosophy include reading and understanding complex materials and positions, analyzing and evaluating arguments, explaining your ideas clearly both orally and in writing, developing well-reasoned arguments, and understanding and appreciating diverse viewpoints. These skills are helpful in a variety of fields including law, education, business, politics and counseling, among many others. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!
Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully-online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!
What can you do with a Philosophy degree?
A Philosophy degree equips you with valuable skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication, making you versatile in various career paths, including law, academia, technology and AI ethics, and many more!
We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.
We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.
GEC 01. Written Communication
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Composition One
|
3 hrs. |
Composition Two
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 02. Natural Science
Select 2 courses with labs:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Biology and Society
*
|
3 hrs. |
Principles of Biological Science I
*
|
3 hrs. |
Principles of Biological Science II
*
|
3 hrs. |
Chemistry and Our Environment
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Chemistry I
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Physics I
*
|
3 hrs. |
General Physics II
*
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 03. Humanities
Course | Credits |
---|---|
World Literature
|
3 hrs. |
Select 2 courses, 1 History required:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
World Civilizations: Beginnings to 1500 C.E
|
3 hrs. |
World Civilizations: 1500 to the present
|
3 hrs. |
Introduction to Philosophy
|
3 hrs. |
Ethics and Good Living
|
3 hrs. |
Comparative Religion
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 04. Aesthetic Values
Select 1 Course:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Art Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
Dance Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
The Enjoyment of Music
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 05. Social Behavioral Science
Select 2 courses:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
The Human Experience: A Global Perspective
|
3 hrs. |
Concepts of Wellness
|
3 hrs. |
Basic Economics
|
3 hrs. |
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
American Government
|
3 hrs. |
General Psychology
|
3 hrs. |
Understanding Society: Principles of Sociology
|
3 hrs. |
CEG 06. Mathematics
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
3 hrs. |
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
Higher-lever MAT course
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 07. Writing-Intensive Requirement (Major Area or 3 hours)
Any upper-level writing-intensive (WI) course
ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites
GEC 08. Speaking Intensive Requirements
Select 1 course:
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Public Speaking
|
3 hrs. |
GEC 09. Capstone Requirement
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Philosophical Discourse
|
3 hrs. |
Must be taken Senior Year; ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites
DEG 01. Major Area of Study Requirements (30-33 hours)
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Introduction to Philosophy
|
3 hrs. |
Logic
|
3 hrs. |
Critical Thinking
|
3 hrs. |
Ethics
|
3 hrs. |
Philosophical Discourse
|
3 hrs. |
Comparative Religion
|
3 hrs. |
Select 18 additional hours from PHI or REL
DEG 02. Additional Requirements (9-18 hours)
Select 6 hours from ENG or HIS or REL at the 300 level or above.
Foreign language requirements:
12 hours in a single language fewer hours may suffice, but course level 202 must be completed.
DEG 03. Electives
Choose electives as needed. (See Hours to Degree below)
Hours to Degree
124 hours are needed to graduate with a BA in Philosophy. At least 50 percent of the hours applied to a degree at The University of Southern Mississippi must be earned from a senior college, and 45 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above. The student must earn at least 21 of the last 30 hours of course work and at least 12 hours in the major area of study from Southern Miss. See Residence Hour Requirements for more information.
Additional Note
Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get started with the application process, start here.
As you work toward your degree, you can learn a number of skills including, situational analysis, logic and reasoning, effective and structured communication, among many others. This degree is perfect if you want to be able to make sense of the world around you and communicate your thoughts about it fluently.
Studying ethics in philosophy can contribute to understanding the reasoning behind laws and policies. By examining ethical theories and principles, you can gain insight into the moral reasoning that underlies the development of laws and policies, enabling you to better understand their foundations and implications.
Various branches of philosophy can contribute to the development of key abilities. For example, studying ethical theories can enhance your ability to reason and understand the underlying principles behind laws and policies, while studying logic and critical thinking can help you identify flaws in arguments and enhance your reasoning abilities.
If you have questions about tuition, transfer credits or anything else about the university, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!
Admission Requirements
The following is required from all undergraduate applicants:
- Application for Undergraduate Admission
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- An official high school transcript for freshman (high school) applicants OR official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school for transfer applicants
- Submission of ACT or SAT scores for freshman (high school) applicants
Students should be mindful of admission deadlines. For a full list of admission requirements, see the University Admission Policies.
Program Academic Policies and Requirements: See University Academic Policies and Requirements
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
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