

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Michigan provides a comprehensive program for students interested in critical thinking, ethics, logic, and the foundations of knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, philosophical traditions, moral theory, and epistemology, preparing students to evaluate arguments, solve complex problems, and engage with abstract concepts. Students participate in philosophical debates, research projects, and applied analyses, developing skills necessary to interpret ideas critically, reason logically, and communicate insights effectively. This program cultivates both analytical proficiency and intellectual rigor, equipping graduates for careers in academia, research, and critical analysis.
Learners explore interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, political science, literature, and social studies. The curriculum offers opportunities for applied research, writing projects, and collaborative work, allowing students to examine ethical dilemmas, societal challenges, and philosophical inquiry. Through mentorship, rigorous coursework, and applied practice, students refine critical thinking, research, and communication skills. With a focus on applied philosophy and critical reasoning, the program prepares graduates to contribute to education, research, public discourse, and decision making in professional and societal contexts.
Year 1 - Foundations in Philosophy
• Introduction to Philosophy
• Logic and Critical Thinking
• Ethics and Moral Reasoning
• Foundations of Historical Philosophy
Year 2 - Core Philosophical Studies
• Metaphysics and Epistemology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Elective Modules in Philosophy
Year 3 - Advanced Analysis
• Contemporary Philosophical Issues
• Applied Ethics and Public Philosophy
• Research Methods in Philosophy
• Elective Modules in Interdisciplinary Philosophy
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Thesis / Research Project
• Seminar in Philosophy
• Internship or Applied Philosophy Project
• Professional Skills and Portfolio Development
Graduates of this program acquire advanced analytical, research, and reasoning skills that prepare them for careers in academia, research, ethics consulting, policy analysis, and education. They develop expertise in philosophical reasoning, critical analysis, and applied ethics, enabling them to evaluate complex problems, contribute to scholarly discourse, and influence decision making. The program also prepares graduates for roles in nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, research institutions, and educational programs, equipping them to apply philosophical knowledge in professional and societal contexts. Graduates leave ready to contribute to research, teaching, and ethical decision making.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates critical reasoning with applied ethics, research, and interdisciplinary study, offering mentorship, analytical projects, and philosophical inquiry. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, rigorous coursework, and collaborative research that strengthen analytical, logical, and communication skills. The curriculum emphasizes applied philosophy, evidence based analysis, and interdisciplinary engagement, preparing graduates to address ethical challenges, research complex issues, and contribute to public discourse. With its focus on analytical proficiency and intellectual excellence, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in teaching, research, and applied philosophy.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA