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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Majors that Complement Philosophy

• Any natural science
• Cognitive Science
• Computer Science
• English
• History
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Psychology

Minors that Complement Philosophy

• Computer Science
• English
• History
• Mathematics
• Political Science

Courses Outside Philosophy that May Improve Employment Opportunities

• Any foreign language
• Business Administration
• English
• Teacher Education