Philosophy BA

Thinking about a major? Challenge yourself to think better.

A Philosophy major at Ramapo is more than just a college major, it's a rigorous training program for your mind. We challenge you to tackle humanity's most profound questions about knowledge, ethics, and reality. In doing so, you'll master the art of persuasive communication and logical argumentation—skills that are not only timeless but also highly sought after in today's rapidly evolving job market.

Our graduates have launched successful careers in law, healthcare, and business. In fact, studies show that Philosophy majors consistently rank among the top performers on all graduate school entrance exams and see significant salary growth after graduation. Increasingly, economic and technological leaders suggest that a liberal arts education in Philosophy may become one of the most important degrees in the twenty-first century. Because it goes beyond a single career path, a Philosophy degree gives you the intellectual agility to adapt, innovate, and lead in any field. The Ramapo College Philosophy major is designed for you to easily double major, or minor, or go on study abroad, enriching your college experience and diversifying your skills.

A program is also offered.

Goal 1: Understand metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics by closely reading the major figures and problems of those subjects.

Outcome 1.1: Students should be able to describe the major figures and problems of ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

Outcome 1.2: Students should be able contextualize a particular philosophical reading as rooted in the intersecting Indigenous, South Asian, East Asian, Abrahamic, and Greco-Roman traditions.

Outcome 1.3: Students should be able to relate these figures, problems, and traditions to real-world concerns, viz., in the arts, business, politics, and natural or social sciences.

Goal 2: Employ the diverse methods of philosophical argument, including logic, observation, contemplation, and dialogue.

Outcome 2.1: Students should be able to understand and use induction and deduction in formal and informal logical analysis.

Outcome 2.2: Students should be able to observe, contemplate, and dialogue with others and with academic research in their oral communication and in their formal writing.

Outcome 2.3: Students should be able to make an engaging philosophical presentation.