
Philosophy : About The Program
About Our Degrees
Degrees in philosophy reflect wide-ranging study of the questions "What can we know?", "What ought we do?", "What can we hope?", and the proposed answers to these. The degrees provide competencies in considering issues from a variety of perspectives, seeking the essential questions involved, and developing both the criteria for successful answers to those questions, and the answers themselves--abilities valuable in every post-baccalaureate setting.
About Our Courses
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
One philosophy course with a minimum grade of "C."
Class Instructors
Many introductory courses and almost all advanced courses are taught by faculty.
Degree Requirements
See the Degrees & Policies.
For course descriptions, please see Courses.
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall.
One philosophy course with a minimum grade of "C."
Class Instructors
Many introductory courses and almost all advanced courses are taught by faculty.
Degree Requirements
See the Degrees & Policies.
For course descriptions, please see Courses.
About Our Faculty
Philosophy faculty have a wide variety of interests and specializations, offering multiple perspectives on philosophical problems and issues. Professor Braun specializes in logical analysis of language, Professor Cho in contemporary European philosophies, Professor Dipert in American philosophies, Professor Gracia in medieval and contemporary metaphysics and Latin American philosophy, Professor Kearns in analytic philosophy, Professor Korsmeyer in aesthetics, Professor Smith in contemporary ontology, Professor Yu in ancient philosophy and Chinese philosophy, Professor Lawler in 19th century philosophy, Professor Hershenov and Professor Shockley in ethics, Professor Beebe in epistemology, and Professor Baumer in professional and business ethics.
Several faculty have international backgrounds: Kah Kyung Cho from Korea, Jorge J.E. Gracia from Cuba via Canada, Barry Smith from Great Britain via Liechtenstein, and Jiyuan Yu from China (the People's Republic).
Many faculty have earned international reputations for their research and publications, notably: SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair Jorge J.E. Gracia, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Kah Kyung Cho, C.S. Peirce Professor of American Philosophy Randall Dipert, and Julian Park Professor and SUNY Distinguished Professor Barry Smith.
See a list of our Undergraduate Faculty.
Several faculty have international backgrounds: Kah Kyung Cho from Korea, Jorge J.E. Gracia from Cuba via Canada, Barry Smith from Great Britain via Liechtenstein, and Jiyuan Yu from China (the People's Republic).
Many faculty have earned international reputations for their research and publications, notably: SUNY Distinguished Professor and Samuel P. Capen Chair Jorge J.E. Gracia, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Kah Kyung Cho, C.S. Peirce Professor of American Philosophy Randall Dipert, and Julian Park Professor and SUNY Distinguished Professor Barry Smith.
See a list of our Undergraduate Faculty.
Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities
Undergraduate majors in philosophy may pursue independent study of a particular topic or issue with a philosophy faculty member. Majors with very good GPAs in philosophy may pursue honors, independent study, or a graduate seminar for undergraduate credit.
Majors may specialize in selected areas, including professional and medical ethics, philosophy of law, logic, and the history of philosophy.
The Steinberg Award is presented annually to the student who submits the best original work on a philosophical theme. The Mary C. Whitman Scholarship is awarded yearly to an outstanding senior philosophy major.
Majors may specialize in selected areas, including professional and medical ethics, philosophy of law, logic, and the history of philosophy.
The Steinberg Award is presented annually to the student who submits the best original work on a philosophical theme. The Mary C. Whitman Scholarship is awarded yearly to an outstanding senior philosophy major.
Extracurricular Activities
The Philosophy Club is open to all philosophy majors and minors, providing opportunities for undergraduates to discuss issues and topics of current interest.
See the UB Student Association.
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
Majors that Complement Philosophy
Minors that Complement Philosophy
Courses Outside Philosophy that May Improve Employment Opportunities
- Any natural science
- Cognitive Science
- Computer Science
- English
- History
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
Minors that Complement Philosophy
Courses Outside Philosophy that May Improve Employment Opportunities
- Any foreign language
- Business Administration
- English
- Teacher Education
Links to Further Information About this Program
Updated: 13 Nov 2012 06:01:57 EST