Philosophy, B.A.
Philosophy programs at many Christian colleges are primarily degrees in apologetics or Christian ethics. This is not the case at Bethel. Ours is a true philosophy degree. Philosophy faculty have earned PhD’s in philosophy from major research universities. Our courses cover the traditional systematic areas of philosophy and aim for a broad understanding of the problems with which professional philosophers are engaged. But we make no apologies for the explicitly Christian perspective from which our courses are taught.
The vast majority of our philosophy students also have majors in other disciplines like history, literature, mathematics, and biblical literature. Our students go to graduate school in these disciplines, as well as law school and medical school, or directly into other jobs. The study of philosophy cultivates the abilities to read and write critically, to understand the subtleties of complex problems, to comprehend the strengths and weaknesses of various viewpoints, and to persuade and motivate—skills that are sought after in any vocation.
NOTE: Students who have a double major that includes Philosophy would not have to take PHIL250 Introduction to Philosophy because the upper level courses required for the Philosophy major satisfy the content of PHIL250.
Program Requirements
Bethel Core
| BIBL 215 | Old Testament Literature | 3 |
| BIBL 216 | New Testament Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 101 | Written Communication II | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Written Communication III | 3 |
MATH
| College Level Mathematics | 3 |
| PHIL 250 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PSYC 182 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 151 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| THEO 110 | Exploring the Christian Faith | 3 |
| | |
COMM and Foreign Language
| Choose 6 credits from the following: | 6 |
| Foreign Language (two semesters) | 6 |
| OR | |
| Foreign Language (one semester) | 3 |
| AND | |
| COMM 171 | Speech Communication | 3 |
| 1 semester at 200 (Intermediate) level | 3 |
| | |
| Choose two of three options for a total of 6 hours: | 6 |
FA/THTR/ART/Music
| Elective(s) | 3 |
HIST
| History Elective | 3 |
LIT
| Literature Elective | 3 |
| | |
| Choose three credits from the following: | 3 |
| BIOL 115 | Human Biology | 3 |
| OR | |
| NS 110 | Environmental Science | 3 |
| OR | |
| NS 291 | Physical World | 3 |
| OR | |
| Any BIOL,CHEM, PHYS | 3-4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 42 |
Major
| MIN 201 | Spiritual Formation Experience | 0 |
Historical Courses
| PHIL 310 | Ancient & Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 311 | Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL 312 | Nineteenth & Twentieth Century Philosophy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Systematic Courses
Specialty Courses (choose one)
Nine additional hours
Nine additional hours chosen in consultation with the student’s Philosophy advisor from PHIL courses or theoretical cognates in other disciplines that best suit the student’s needs or plans for the future.
Electives
Electives needed to complete degree
Total Credit Hours: 120