Philosophy (BA)

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.

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)

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep: DEC (Honours: 28)
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School: C+ (Honours: B+)
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• University Transfers (internal/external): C (Honours: B+)
• Baccalauréat français: 11 (Honours: 14)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26 (Honours: 31)

Honours programs

Students applying directly to an honours program should list it as their first choice. If not admitted to honours, they will automatically be considered for the next highest program (i.e. specialization or major).

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.

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.