Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy

Program overview

Earn your Philosophy degree from a department that ranks among the top in the world. The Philosophy program at Waterloo is designed to confront some of life's biggest questions, such as the nature of the human mind, the essence of a just society, and the foundations of a moral life. This program not only teaches critical reasoning but also prepares students for a wide range of careers, particularly in law and other fields that require analytical thinking and clear argumentation. With the opportunity to engage in co-op work terms, students can apply their philosophical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their educational experience and career readiness.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy is structured to provide a comprehensive education in the field while allowing for flexibility and exploration. The program length is typically four years, and students can choose to study through either the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business pathways. Key features of the program structure include:

• First-year students are encouraged to explore a second major and take an Arts First course.
• Approximately 40% of the classes taken after the first year will be Philosophy courses.
• Students can customize their degree by adding minors from various disciplines.
• The program offers both co-op and regular study options, allowing students to gain practical experience.
• Co-op students typically alternate between study and work terms, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience.

Students in the co-op program can graduate with up to 20 months of paid work experience, which is invaluable in today’s job market. The first work term for Honours Arts and Business students occurs in the second year, while Honours Arts students begin their co-op experience in the spring term after their second year.

Featured Experiences

The Philosophy program at Waterloo offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and career preparation:

• Co-op opportunities that provide relevant paid work experience in various fields.
• Access to over 70 upper-year courses covering diverse topics such as metaphysics, feminist philosophy, and ethics.
• Engagement in small class sizes for first-year Arts First courses, fostering collaboration and in-depth discussions.
• Possibility to work with various employers during co-op terms, allowing for a broad range of experiences.
• Integration of philosophical reasoning with current events and topical issues through practical applications.

Career Options

A degree in Philosophy opens up a wide array of career opportunities in Canada. Graduates can pursue various roles, including:

• Citizen Services Officer – Work with government agencies to assist citizens in accessing services and information.
• Global Service Provider – Engage in operations and support roles within large corporations like Cisco Systems.
• Senior Systems Analyst – Analyze and improve systems within financial institutions such as BMO Bank of Montreal.
• Early Childhood Educator – Apply philosophical principles in educational settings, fostering critical thinking in young learners.
• Lawyer – Utilize analytical skills and ethical reasoning in legal practice, representing clients in various legal matters.
• Analyst – Work with government bodies like the Treasury Board of Canada to analyze policies and programs.

These roles highlight the versatility of a Philosophy degree, equipping graduates with skills that are highly valued across multiple sectors.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.