College of Liberal Arts students have options for earning their undergraduate Philosophy degree. As a student, you can major in Philosophy, major in Philosophy with a pre-law emphasis, minor in Philosophy, earn a certificate in ethics or study philosophy as a pre-med student. Ready to get started? Plan your college career with the help of academic advising and professional development so you can fly in 4. Need more info? View our tuition and fees, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, admissions deadlines, undergraduate resources and find out how to apply.

Program Overview

As part of the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University, our Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy program provides undergraduates with a solid foundation for careers in business, law or medicine. Majoring in philosophy is also an excellent way to prepare for the further study of philosophy in graduate school. Philosophy raises fundamental questions about ourselves and the world, which result in a sharpened perception of the value of our lives and an increased ability to analyze. Majoring in philosophy is flexible by design; it easily accommodates study abroad programs and internships.

The Minor in Philosophy is an excellent way to extend the breadth of your education and understanding of the world. Whether you plan to become a lawyer, a teacher or a doctor, our Minor in Philosophy program makes the development of strong communication and reasoning skills a priority. A Philosophy Minor helps you stand out when you apply for jobs or graduate school, because it shows that you have a well-rounded education.

Major in Philosophy with a Pre-Law Emphasis

If you plan on going to law school, our department offers a BA in Philosophy with a Pre-Law Emphasis. If you choose the Pre-Law Emphasis, you will follow a slightly different path than other Philosophy majors with assistance from your advisor. The curriculum includes a Philosophy of Law course, Pre-Law Internship, Pre-Law Seminar and Pre-Law Tutorial. We also encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities like Temple Mock Trial and Temple Debate Society. These types of activities help you develop and showcase your skills and ultimately aid you in your legal education and career.

• Learn More about the BA in Philosophy with a Pre-Law Emphasis

Undergraduate Certificate in Ethics

Our certificate program in ethics emphasizes the essential central issues, concepts, history and methodologies of ethical reasoning. Available to undergraduates from any degree or minor. Completion of the certificate shows employers that you are ready and committed to ethical leadership.

Studying Philosophy as a Pre-Med Student

Philosophy courses provide you with a competitive advantage on the MCATS and in medical school coursework by developing your passion for inquiry, critical thinking and analysis. Philosophy courses also enrich preparation for careers in the medical and health care fields by providing a solid foundation in professional ethics. Humanities majors not only score well on the MCAT exam, but also tend to score higher as a group than biological sciences majors. The Philosophy Department offers several useful courses for Pre-Med students: Philosophy of Biology, Ethics in Medicine, Philosophy of Medicine and Philosophy of Science.

Philosophy courses enrich preparation for pre-medical and pre-health professional training by providing a valuable foundation in professional ethics. Here are a few useful courses that pre- med and other healthcare-oriented undergraduates take at the Department of Philosophy. For a full listing of philosophy courses please see the Bulletin.

• PHIL 2941. Honors Philosophy of Biology. 3 Credit Hours
• PHIL 3218. Philosophy of Medicine. 3 Credit Hours
• PHIL 3249. Ethics in Medicine. 3 Credit Hours
• PHIL 3949. Honors Ethics in Medicine. 3 Credit Hours

Academic Advising and Professional Development

Take full advantage of the College of Liberal Arts’ flexible curriculum with the help of our award-winning advisors. We help you select a major or a minor, and graduate on time. Beyond academics, our advisors ensure that you have a rich experience at Temple by complementing your academic work with internships, study abroad programs and other experiential learning opportunities.

• Learn More about Temple’s Award-Winning Advisors

Fly in 4

Take charge of your future and limit your debt. The Fly in 4 partnership allows you to complete your degree on time — or Temple will pay for your remaining course work. Graduating on time means your path to success starts sooner. We provide you with the resources you need to graduate in four years, like academic advising and classes offered when you need them. You commit to doing what it takes to blaze your career path in four years.

• Learn How to Fly in 4

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At Temple, we believe that students from all walks of life should have access to an outstanding college education. If you need help paying for your education, you aren’t alone. Most students receive some form of financial aid to fund their education. About 69% of first-year Temple students receive need-based financial aid, and the average first-year financial aid package is about $15,000. Eligible students receive financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources. Explore all available funding and apply early to make your college education an affordable experience.

• Student Financial Services

Temple Admissions Deadlines

• February 1: Freshman Application Deadline for Fall Semester
• February 1: FAFSA Financial Aid Application Deadline
• November 1: Transfer Deadline for Spring Semester
• June 1: Transfer Deadline for Fall Semester