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Philosophy (BA)

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Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Major, Minor, Honours
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter

Why study Philosophy?

Philosophers reflect on some of the world’s most serious problems: the basis of ethical action, human rights, global justice or our relationship with the environment. Or they ask questions about what the mind, knowledge, science, identity, gender and sexuality really are. Whatever the issue, philosophers learn how to analyze ideas and arguments, and reason well. They also make discoveries about the history of ideas and how this shapes the way we think about contemporary life.

Studying philosophy will open your eyes to these deep ideas and questions, teach you to analyze them with philosophical insight and rigour, to read, write and reason well, and build skills for speech and debate. As you reflect on the assumptions that inform our social, political, and scientific practices, you will think about, and relate to, the political, social and natural world in an entirely new way.

An undergraduate degree in philosophy is the stepping stone to graduate studies or a wide variety of careers that require critical thinking, careful writing, or superior communication skills.

Program highlights

  • Student-run philosophy Peer Tutoring program aims to help students help each other succeed
  • Opportunities to study abroad while completing your program through the Concordia Student Exchange Program

Program structure

A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90–120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

  • Honours in Philosophy (60 credits)*
  • Major in Philosophy (36 credits)
  • Minor in Philosophy (24 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major.

Courses

United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.

Admission criteria

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

Application deadlines

Fall term

FALL TERM

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Winter term

WINTER

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.

After your degree

Many Philosophy graduates pursue graduate studies. Others establish careers in teaching, law, public service and administration, publishing, journalism, editing, library science, research, medicine or business administration.

Other programs of interest

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A liberal arts education equips you for life. The Liberal Arts program teaches you to think critically, enhance your communication skills and become a more resourceful, innovative and self-confident person.

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Investigate the mysteries of the past. Historians are detectives, picking up a loose thread in the social fabric and unraveling it to weave a new narrative through time

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Political Science (BA)

Political science teaches you how the world works. As one of Concordia’s most popular degree choices, you will meet the world up close: in class, in action and in person.

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