Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Critical reflection on the human experience

Program Overview Philosophy (BA)

Involving the quest for understanding of life’s larger issues through critical reflection on human experience, philosophy may be the right path for you. Philosophy is related to all other academic disciplines. A major in philosophy can strengthen your analytical and interpretative skills, making you better prepared to address the challenges of the times, including the ecological crisis, genocides, ongoing wars, oppressive poverty, and financial instability.

Barry’s accomplished faculty will help you grow in your understanding of life’s larger questions as you develop competence in the basics of philosophical inquiry, thought, and study.

 

As a Catholic University in the heritage of St. Dominic, we tap into an 800-year tradition that values the study of philosophy and emphasizes using what is learned to promote change.

If you are searching for greater understanding and want to promote social justice and peace, we invite you to find out more about Barry’s major in philosophy, life within our diverse community, admissions requirements, and opportunities for financial assistance.

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The study of philosophy can strengthen your intellectual capacities and skills (e.g., analytical, evaluative, and interpretive), and enable you to critically examine your own beliefs and judgments. This makes the study of philosophy an essential and valuable part of a university education.

Barry’s major in philosophy is designed to prepare you for:

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Graduate study in philosophy

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Professional education, such as law

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Any career that requires analytical, interpretive thought.

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    Graduate study in philosophy

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    Professional education, such as law

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    Any career that requires analytical, interpretive thought.

Why get a BA in Philosophy from Barry?

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    Study in an Ideal Environment

    Located in Miami Shores, a village within the vibrant Miami / Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area, Barry invites exchange of ideas and creative solutions. The diversity of South Florida is complemented by our student population; your studies will be enhanced through discussions with student-colleagues who come from various geographic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
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    Student Philosophy Association and Honor Society

    Barry's Student Philosophy Association and its Chapter of the Phi Sigma Tau regularly host debates and discussions on current issues. In addition, students have consistently placed in the top five of the Regional Ethics Bowls competition. At Barry, you'll be inspired by your fellow students as well as your faculty.
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    Join the Search for Solutions and Meaning

    Philosophy involves the quest for an understanding of the nature of God, humankind, the world, and values, as well as their interrelation, by means of critical and systematic reflection upon human experience.
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    Receive support from highly qualified faculty

    Barry's Department of Theology and Philosophy has eleven full-time faculty members, five in the area of philosophy. The faculty provides the one-to-one attention and professional expertise that will foster your academic, personal, and professional growth.

About the Program 3+3 Accelerated Program

The Department of Theology and Philosophy and the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law provide qualified Philosophy students an opportunity to earn a combined Bachelor of Arts degree and a Juris Doctor Degree. The Accelerated 3+3 Program allows students to complete both undergraduate degree and a law degree within six years rather than the traditional seven-year time period. 

Qualified students would complete the core undergraduate requirements within the first three years of study. The fourth year of undergraduate would also be the first year of law school. At the satisfactory completion of the first year of law school, the student would officially receive their BA in Philosophy. 

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Honor Society Phi Sigma Tau

Barry University has an active chapter of Phi Sigma Tau. The chapter, along with Theta Alpha Kappa, regularly presents debates on current issues. Members of the chapter also recently argued for more inclusivity within the Society, drafting a letter to the national office calling for a change in the induction ceremony wording; the ceremony currently alludes to "streams of world thought" without mentioning aboriginal traditions, much of which is philosophically significant.

Phi Sigma Tau has been a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) since 1958. A national honor society in philosophy, Phi Sigma Tau encourages the highest ideals of academic excellence through presentation of papers and debates on philosophical issues. Undergraduate students are eligible for membership after they have completed three semesters of class work.

Dr. Michael McKeon serves as faculty advisor for Barry's chapter of Phi Sigma Tau.

About Phi Sigma Tau

Phi Sigma Tau encourages the highest ideals of academic excellence through presentation of papers and debates on philosophical issues.

Admissions Overview Getting Started

In the time it takes to watch a movie, you can apply to attend Barry University. From application to graduation, we support you every step of the way. Apply anytime, anywhere. We accept submissions on a rolling basis, but the sooner you apply, the better. Some majors require extra information for acceptance into specific programs. See what you need to apply, since general admission doesn't guarantee acceptance into all majors.

As part of Barry's diverse, close-knit community of 3,000 undergraduates, you’ll grow and build lifelong relationships. With a 15:1 student to faculty ratio, you'll thrive thanks to individualized instruction and professors who are experts in their fields. The best part? You’ll leave college with the skills you need to succeed and little debt; we work to make school affordable through merit-based scholarships and financial aid.

Apply Now!

Start your application today. In just a few years, you'll graduate with a degree from a highly-respected, affordable university.

Admissions Overview Are you a Transfer or an International Student?

You can apply to Barry whenever it’s convenient for you. We accept applications on a rolling basis, but it’s always better to apply sooner than later. You’re considered a transfer applicant when you have at least 12 college level credits from a regionally accredited college or university. Remember, you may have to apply separately to specific programs, so please review the academic requirements for your intended major.
If you are an international student, applying as early as possible is in your best interest in order to allow ample time for immigration processing. Please note that general admission to Barry University does not guarantee acceptance into all academic majors. Also, please be aware that admission to Barry University does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.

Financial Aid Affordable for you.

If you’re a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate, you may qualify for our merit-based scholarships with awards up to $17,000, based on your cumulative GPA and standardized test scores. Scholarships are available for freshmen (including test optional), transfers, international, DACA, and Dreamer applicants. Using your admissions application, we automatically determine your eligibility.

More than 90% of our students receives some form of financial assistance. Apply to see if you qualify for a full array of federal and state financial aid programs. Just submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete it as soon as possible since funds may be limited. Barry's federal school code is 001466. Curious about qualifying? Take a look at our Net Price Calculator.

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Explore our scholarship system to see if you qualify for scholarships funded by alumni, private donors, corporations, and others.

You can use the Barry University Scholarship System to find other scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible to receive:

  • Answer as many questions as you like—the more questions answered, the more scholarships you’re matched to
  • Be automatically considered for many of the scholarships available at Barry University
  • Do a keyword search for scholarships and review the criteria to see if your qualifications are a match
The scholarships are funded through contributions from private donors, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, campus organizations, and corporations.
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