Philosophy (BA)

Dive into Philosophy at Laurier and explore the depths of knowledge, existence, and reality while uncovering how historical, social, political, and cultural forces shape our thinking. Our program equips you with practical, hands-on skills that employers highly value. Graduate with the ability to craft well-reasoned, evidence-supported arguments that address contemporary issues, preparing you for impactful careers in law, public policy, education, and beyond.

Transform your curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities into career success with a Philosophy degree from Laurier.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on in this program:

  • Course Content that Matters: Discover the power of Philosophy and dive into profound questions about knowledge, reality, values, and society. Our program offers an engaging exploration of both traditional and non-traditional topics, including feminism, gender theory, Non-Western philosophies, and environmental ethics.
  • Pathways to Law: Combine a BA in Philosophy with a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Our Bachelor of Laws (University of Sussex, UK) and BA (Laurier) can be completed in six years.
  • Pathways to Business: Start your Philosophy program with a conditional offer to join our full-time MBA program (with co-op) after graduation. This program is six years: four years in the BA program plus two years in the MBA program. The MBA program consists of three academic terms plus one paid four-month or eight-month work term.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Co-op: Arts Honours students in Philosophy can apply to the co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies. Co-op is designed to provide you with opportunities to develop skills and gain real-world experience in the career path of your interest.
  • Competitions: Participate in the Canadian Philosophical Association Student Essay Contest, a great way to gain experience writing professionally.
  • Live Debates and Lectures: Join the WLU Philosophy club to engage in live debates, open discussions and research projects with your classmates and professors. Attend Department of Philosophy talks and events to broaden your knowledge of the field.
  • Research: Thinking about graduate studies? Opportunities are available for you to participate in faculty-led research.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Values and Society
  • Knowledge and Reality

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Revolution in the Modern World
  • Human Rights and Human Diversity
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Literature and Catastrophe
  • Discovering the Middle Ages
  • Introduction to Sociology

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Legal Philosophy
  • Medical Ethics
  • Philosophy of Leisure, Games, and Sports
  • Social and Political Philosophy
  • Business Ethics
  • Philosophy and the Environment
  • Persons, Selves, and Identity

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Management Option
  • Legal Studies Option
  • International Public Policy Option
  • North American Studies Minor
  • Global Studies Minor
  • History Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Business Pathways

Enhance your degree with a Management Option or get a head-start on graduate studies by applying to the BA in Combination with a Master of Business Administration with co-op. Apply directly to either on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.

Law Pathway

You can combine this program with a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Our Bachelor of Laws (University of Sussex, UK) and Bachelor of Arts (Laurier) can be completed in six years.

You'll complete your first two years at our Waterloo campus. Students who meet the progression requirements may then apply to the UK law program and are guaranteed an offer of admission; there is no requirement to write the LSAT entrance exam. After three years abroad for your LLB, you'll return to Laurier for one and complete the BA. Apply directly on the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.

 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • lawyer/paralegal
  • ethical consultant
  • community development officer
  • diplomat/embassy worker
  • labour negotiator
  • management/business consultant
  • political strategist
  • technical writer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?