Philosophy (BA/BS)
The program in Philosophy is dedicated, on the foundation of the Christian faith, to the pursuit of an understanding of reality, both infinite and finite; to the systematic study of ideas and a reasoned pursuit of truth; to an examination of the principles of moral conduct and aesthetic experience; and overall, seeks to understand the world and human life from the perspective of the Christian world view. The goals of this department are to acquaint the student with the main philosophical subdisciplines (metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics); to learn to think, speak, write, and evaluate logically and critically; to understand the main problems of philosophy and the solutions proposed to them; to trace the development of the history of philosophy, and to become familiar with the main philosophers and their systems of thought which have contributed to this history. Those majoring in Philosophy will be prepared for graduate school and/or careers in law, ministry, teaching, business, and writing, as well as pursuing philosophy itself professionally. Students may pursue either a BA or a BS in Philosophy.
Goals of the Philosophy Major
Graduates will understand the methods, vocabulary, and content of the discipline of philosophy, and its important role in the development of the Western intellectual tradition.
The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the key figures and views within philosophy and explain their significance in the Western intellectual tradition.
Graduates will demonstrate the principles of sound reasoning and critical thinking in their written and oral communication.
The student will be able to communicate (verbally and in writing) in an effective and persuasive manner on philosophical and social issues.
Graduates will have the ability to integrate faith (viz. a biblical worldview) and learning in philosophy and in everyday life.
The student will be able to analyze philosophical and social issues through a Christian worldview.
Graduates will be prepared for insightful and innovative contributions in entry-level positions related to the field of philosophy (e.g., consulting, politics, public relations, etc.), and/or further study in diverse fields such as law, medicine, and philosophy.
The student will be able to articulate creative and holistic solutions to social, philosophical, and ethical problems.
The student will be able to utilize experience gained in a practicum which presents the student with opportunities to implement the discipline of philosophy in his/her chosen field.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
courses | credit hours (ba) | credit hours (bS) |
|---|---|---|
Developing A Christian Mind | 3 | 3 |
English | 12 | 9 |
ENGL 1301 - Composition and Rhetoric I ENGL 1302 - Composition and Rhetoric II | ||
ENGL 2301 - World Literature I and/or ENGL 2302 - World Literature II | ||
Fine Arts | 3 | 3 |
Foreign Language | 14* | 0 |
Foundations for Excellence | 1 | 1 |
FOUN 1101 - Foundations for Excellence is required of all first-year and transfer students with fewer than 15 credit hours. (AP, CLEP, IB, or dual/concurrent credit earned while in high school does not count toward these 15 credit hours.) | ||
History | 6 | 6 |
Choose two: HIST 1301 - U.S. History to 1865 HIST 1302 - U.S. History Since 1865 HIST 2301 - World Civilization I HIST 2302 - World Civilization II | ||
Kinesiology | 2 | 2 |
KNES 1101 - Fitness for Living and one additional activity course (KNES 1102-1122); for veterans or those 25 years of age or older prior to enrollment at DBU, KNES courses are waived. | ||
Mathematics | 3 | 3 |
(BA) Choose one: MATH 1301 - Math for Liberal Arts MATH 1303 - College Algebra MATH 1307 - Finite Math for Business Analysis MATH 1405 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
Choose one: MATH 1303 - College Algebra MATH 1307 - Finite Math for Business Analysis MATH 1405 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | ||
Natural Science (1000 or 2000 level courses only) | 4 | 15 |
One laboratory science (BA) or 15 credit hours of laboratory science (BS) selected from two or more areas of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Physical Science, or Physics | ||
Religion | 9 | 9 |
RELI 1301 - Old Testament Survey RELI 1302 - New Testament Survey RELI 2304 - Christian Doctrine | ||
Social Science (1000 or 2000 level courses only) | 6 | 6 |
POLS 2301 - American National Government and an additional three credit hours may be selected from Economics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology. | ||
TOTAL GENERAL STUDIES HOURS | 63 | 57 |
Philosophy Major | 33 | 33 |
CHST 3309 - Spiritual Formation for Christian Ministry PHIL 2301 - Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 2302 - Introduction to Logic | ||
PHIL 3301 - History of Philosophy I: Classical and Medieval or PHIL 3302 - History of Philosophy II: Modern and Postmodern | ||
PHIL 3303 - Philosophy of Religion PHIL 3370 - The Philosophy of Science and Technology (BS only) PHIL 4303 - Ethics RELI 3305 - Principles of Biblical Interpretation | ||
RELI 3383 - History of Christianity or RELI 4371 - American Church History PHIL 4305 - Practicum in Philosophy (S-L) | ||
Additional 3-6 hours from upper-level PHIL courses. | ||
Electives | ||
Upper-Level Lower or Upper-Level | 9 15 | 9 21 |
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED | 120 | 120 |
A 120-credit-hour minimum for a bachelor's degree is required, including 36 upper-level credit hours.
At least 12 credit hours in the major program must be completed at Dallas Baptist University, including nine upper-level course hours.
Minimum GPA Required for Graduation from Dallas Baptist University: DBU requires a minimum institutional cumulative, major, and minor GPA of 2.0.
(S-L) = Course(s) with field-based service-learning component.
Refer to individual course descriptions for course requisites.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Find course descriptions by category under the Undergraduate Course Descriptions section in the navigation panel.