Bachelor of Arts
in Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Program Overview

Shape the Thinkers of Tomorrow With a Bachelor's In Philosophy

Sharpen your mind, expand your horizons, and deepen your understanding of the world around you.

At Youngstown State University, our Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy will enhance your skills in communication, reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking—all while diving into life’s most profound questions. Gain an appreciation for the history of the discipline and analyze ancient and medieval societies while studying logic and professional ethics.

Our BA in Philosophy prepares you for a broad spectrum of professional opportunities—from business and law to education, politics, AI ethics, public policy, and beyond.

Speak to a Faculty Member
Dr. Mark C. Vopat. Ph.D.
Philosophy Coordinator, Professor, Director Dr. James Dale Ethics Center
mvopat@ysu.edu
330.941.3362

Why Pursue a Bachelor's in Philosophy at YSU?

Dive into the intellectual world of critical thinking and rational inquiry with YSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree. You’ll find several ways to put your learning to work, including:

Student organizations: Gain a greater understanding of the world around you by joining the student-run Philosophy Club or our nationally recognized Ethics Bowl team. These are great opportunities for Philosophy majors to discuss real-time ethical issues with fellow students—both here at YSU and around the globe.
Internships and research opportunities: Our BA in Philosophy students frequently partner with faculty members on various research initiatives. They also intern with local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, local law firms, the City of Youngstown, the Raymond John Wean Foundation, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown.
Dr. James Dale Ethics Center: Our bachelor’s in philosophy students hear from leaders in the field during lectures and seminars, work with local professionals on continuing education, participate in events, and more.

Choose One of Our Philosophy Minors

Complement any major with the ethical and critical thinking skills needed for professional success. We have minors in:

Philosophy: Gain a broad background in argumentation and logic as you learn more about the most important philosophical themes and traditions of our time. Courses cover critical thinking, human values, professional ethics, and more.

Professional Ethics: Your professional life will be filled with make-or-break decisions. Our Professional Ethics minor will dive into how ethical principles impact actions in the workplace. Courses investigate logic, ancient and modern philosophy, and how technology impacts human values.

Fast-Track Your Law Degree with YSU’s 3+3 Philosophy Program

How the 3+3 Program Works

With this accelerated pathway, students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at YSU before applying to law school in their junior year. Once admitted:

The first year of law school at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, The University of Akron School of Law or Cleveland State University College of Law counts as the final year of undergraduate coursework.
After successfully completing the first year of law school, students receive their Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from YSU.
Students then complete two additional years of law school to earn their Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

By eliminating one full year of study, this program reduces overall tuition costs and allows students to enter the legal profession one year earlier than traditional pathways.

Start Your Legal Journey Today

Interested in accelerating your path to law school? Learn more here. Or contact YSU’s Philosophy Department to learn more about eligibility, advising, and application timelines.

Philosophy Major: What You'll Study

Start Your BA in Philosophy Journey at YSU

Philosophy courses range from classical to contemporary, covering topics such as:

Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Philosophy across Western and Eastern traditions

Ethics in Law, Data, War and Peace, the Environment, Scientific Research, and more

Logic, Metaphysics, and Epistemology

Philosophy of Law, Science, Religion, Family, Language, Mind, and more

Social and Political Philosophy

These diverse subjects comprise the core of our bachelor’s in philosophy program and provide you with the foundation for advanced understanding and critical engagement in a global world.

Embark on a unique intellectual journey filled with discovery, growth, and deep understanding. A philosophy degree from Youngstown State will open up a universe of possibilities in both your personal and professional life.

Scholarships Available

Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, and Education. We offer five scholarships specifically to Philosophy majors, and scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current students.

Bachelor of Arts
in Philosophy