Philosophy

Programs

Students can major in philosophy (earning either a BA or a BS) or choose from a variety of philosophy minors. The major in pre-health has a philosophy concentration. And philosophy majors can participate in an accelerated BA/JD program as well as in an accelerated program leading to an MA in journalism. Philosophy courses play an important role in several interdisciplinary programs, including Rabinowitz Honors College and First-Year Connections.

Check out the 2024-25 Courses »

Majors

  • Philosophy, BA is a traditional liberal arts degree that focuses on honing critical thinking and analytical skills. These skills can be applied to careers in law, journalism, business, medicine, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science and many others. The BA is particularly  appropriate for students who plan to double major in another area.
  • Philosophy, BS is focused on philosophical areas that are relevant to another professional, technical or scientific discipline. The BS would appeal to science or engineering students with an interest in patent law, and business, science and pre-med students interested in building their writing, ethical and critical reasoning skills.
  • Pre-Health with a concentration in Philosophy, BA develops the same skills as the BA in Philosophy, but the program includes all the courses needed for medical school. This program is designed for pre-med students who want a broad liberal arts background, in addition to preparing for medical school.

Overview of comparison between the BA and BS in Philosophy

Minors

Concentrations Within Philosophy

Students can concentrate within the major or minor in Applied Ethics. Dr. Ralph Acampora (email), Associate Professor of Philosophy, directs the Applied Ethics concentration.

Accelerated Programs

Hofstra University offers several accelerated bachelor's/master's degrees that are designed to provide highly motivated, qualified students with the opportunity to complete requirements for both a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree in a shortened time frame. 

Philosophy majors who are interested in pursuing law school may be interested in LEAP (Legal Education Accelerated Program), an accelerated BA/JD program. This 3+3 program allows students to complete requirements for both the bachelor of arts and the juris doctor at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law in just six years. LEAP at Hofstra is one of few such programs in the New York metro area. 

Beginning for the 2024-2025 academic year, Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications are partnering to offer accelerated programs that allow students to earn their undergraduate degree - in areas such as Philosophy - and complete their MA in Journalism.

Other Interdisciplinary Programs

Philosophy courses are also part of several other interdisciplinary programs, including:

  • Technology and Public Policy
  • Urban Ecology
  • Environmental Resources
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Criminology and Forensic Studies
  • American Studies
  • Public Affairs
  • Global Studies

Rabinowitz Honors College and First-Year Connections

Philosophy is a core discipline for the Rabinowitz Honors College yearlong introductory course, Culture and Expression, and philosophy faculty regularly teach that course. Honors College also offers Honors Seminars, which frequently focus on philosophical topics and are taught by Philosophy Department faculty.

Philosophy courses are also offered in the First-Year Connections program.