---
title: "Philosophy B.S. / B.A. / Minor"
url: "/academics/programs/philosophy"
type: program
date: 2026-06-19
updated: 2026-06-19
---
# Philosophy B.S. / B.A. / Minor
# Philosophy B.S. / B.A. / Minor
**Ask life's biggest questions, and learn to reason, argue, and think with clarity and purpose.**
As a philosophy major at Manhattan University, you engage the most significant thinkers in history while sharpening the logic, ethics, and argumentation skills that define a liberal arts education. Guided by published faculty in small, discussion-driven classes, you graduate ready for law, business, public service, and graduate study, with some of the strongest outcomes of any humanities discipline.
[ Request Information ](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)
[ Visit Manhattan University ](/admissions/visit) [ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos)
Credit Hours120
Time to Complete4 Years
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This program is part of [Religion and Philosophy](/academics/kakos/departments/religion-philosophy)
What Set's Us Apart The Manhattan University Difference
## What Sets Us Apart
The Philosophy major at Manhattan University teaches you to think rigorously, argue persuasively, and grapple with questions of meaning, ethics, and justice. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and taught by published scholars in small classes, the program builds the reasoning and writing skills that lead to law, business, public service, and graduate study.
Ethics at the Center
Examine moral questions through coursework in ethics, bioethics, professional ethics, and the philosophical foundations that underlie every other discipline.
Ethics Bowl Debate
Earn academic credit analyzing real-world ethical cases and competing in the national Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl tournament.
Built for Pre-Law
Develop the logic, critical thinking, and argumentation skills that make philosophy one of the strongest preparations for law school.
The Dorothy Day Center
Engage faith-based social justice work, from a cause for sainthood to partnerships with leaders advancing justice worldwide.
Honor Society and Community
Join Phi Sigma Tau, the international philosophy honor society, and a department known for close mentorship and shared inquiry.
Study the World Abroad
Travel with faculty on study-abroad courses to places from Venice to Japan, exploring philosophy, religion, and culture firsthand.
Why Study Philosophy Image
The Manhattan Advantage
## Why Study Philosophy at Manhattan University?
At Manhattan University, philosophy students learn to think clearly, write persuasively, and reason through the questions that matter most, skills that translate into success across law, business, public service, and graduate study. Through close mentorship from published faculty, funded summer research, and applied opportunities near New York City, you graduate prepared not just to understand ideas, but to use them to lead a life of purpose and impact.
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Degree Options Image
Degree Program Options
## Choose Your Degree Path
**Philosophy at Manhattan University is offered as a Bachelor of Arts and as a minor, with cross-listed courses that make it easy to add philosophy to another major and accelerated pathways for students continuing into law.**
**Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy**
The B.A. requires 30 credits, including Ethics, Introduction to Logic, Ancient Greek Philosophy, and Modern Philosophy, a senior philosophy seminar, and five philosophy electives. Students shape the major around their interests, from ethics and political philosophy to the history of ideas.
**Minor in Philosophy**
A 15-credit sequence open to students in all schools: Ancient Greek Philosophy, three philosophy electives, and one of Ethics, Ethics Bowl Debate I, Introduction to Logic, or Critical Thinking. It complements nearly any major and supports pre-law and pre-med students.
**Accelerated Pathway to Law**
Qualified majors can pursue an accelerated law degree through the 3-3 BA/JD partnership with St. John's University School of Law.
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Courses and Curriculum
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## Why Study in New York City
New York City is a global crossroads of ideas, institutions, and the ethical questions that shape public life, an ideal place to study philosophy. Manhattan University philosophy students put their learning into practice through internships and research projects with local and global organizations, including the New York Catholic Worker, advocacy groups at the United Nations, and Pax Christi, the international peace network. Our faculty draw on deep professional networks to connect students with opportunities in nonprofits, law, public service, and faith-based social justice work. This real-world experience near the heart of New York City helps you build the skills, connections, and confidence to launch a career or pursue advanced study.
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## Philosophy: Think Deeply, Lead Wisely.
At Manhattan University, philosophy students gain the reasoning, writing, and ethical judgment that employers and graduate programs value, taught in small classes by scholars dedicated to mentorship. You graduate prepared to analyze hard problems, argue with clarity, and adapt to nearly any career path.
Reason and Think Critically
Analyze arguments, test assumptions, and evaluate evidence with the rigor that defines strong decision-making in any field.
Write and Argue Clearly
Build and defend complex positions in writing and discussion, communicating ideas with precision and persuasion.
Apply Ethical Judgment
Weigh competing values and navigate moral complexity, preparing to lead responsibly in business, law, and public life.
Excel on Graduate Exams
Join a discipline whose majors post among the strongest results on the LSAT, GMAT, and GRE across all fields.
Prepare for Law and Beyond
Develop the analytical foundation that strengthens applications to law school, graduate programs, and competitive careers.
Solve Problems Creatively
Bring moral imagination and structured reasoning to the world's most pressing and complex challenges.
Department Faculty ## **Learn From Leaders in the Field**
Manhattan University's philosophy faculty are published scholars and widely cited public voices whose work spans ethics, the history of philosophy, political and social thought, and philosophy of art and religion. They have authored books with leading academic presses and earned national fellowships, and they bring that scholarship into small classes where they know you by name and mentor you toward graduate school, law school, and meaningful careers.
[Meet Departmental Faculty](/academics/kakos/departments/religion-philosophy/faculty "Faculty | Department of Religion and Philosophy")
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About
## The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. That foundation delivers: Manhattan University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), a measure of how strongly a degree here translates into graduates' career earnings.
[ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos)
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Careers & Outcomes
Costs & Aid ## Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our **Jasper Guarantee**, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- [View Tuition & Fees](/admissions/financial-aid/tuition)
- [Explore Financial Aid](/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate)
- [Learn More About Scholarships](/admissions/financial-aid/loans-grants/scholarships-and-grants)
- [Learn About the Jasper Guarantee](/admissions/undergraduate/jasper-guarantee)
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
[Learn More About Costs and Financial Aid](/admissions/financial-aid/)
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A Smarter Investment in Your Future
## Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
[ Learn More About the Jasper Guarantee ](/admissions/undergraduate/jasper-guarantee)
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Admission Information ## Admissions Information
**Start Your Journey in Philosophy**
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements and key deadlines below to take the next step toward a future in data-driven business.
**Requirements:**
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
**Deadlines:**
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
[Admission and Application Process](/admissions/financial-aid/)
### International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
[Learn More about International Financial Aid](/admissions/international/financial-aid/)
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## Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.
[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)
[Apply Today](/admissions/apply)
[Request Information](/admissions/request-information)
[Explore Virtual Tour](https://www.youvisit.com/tour/62170/)
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