DEPARTMENT OF

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy explores fundamental questions about human life and applies its methods across disciplines. It seeks to understand core truths, examine principles and conduct, and establish standards for evaluating ideas and evidence. Through philosophical study, students develop critical thinking skills, learn to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.

Degrees & Programs

Why Study Philosophy at Hofstra?

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

BA in Philosophy BS in Philosophy BA Pre-Health with a concentration in Philosophy

CERTIFICATES

AI Foundations, Ethics and Applications

Concentrations

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

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRaMS

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

Criminology
Sustainability Studies
Women’s Studies
Africana Studies
Public Policy and Public Service
Cognitive Science

MINORS

Minor in Cognitive Science Minor in Ethics Minor in Philosophy Minor in Philosophy of Law Minor in Philosophy Society and Business Minor in Data Analysis and Scientific Reasoning Minor in Critical Animal Studies Spring 2027 Courses What is it Like to Take a Course In Ethics?

Accelerated Programs

Hofstra University offers several accelerated bachelor’s and 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 City metropolitan area.

Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication 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.

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The Student Experience

Get Involved

Philosophy’s atmosphere is collegial, tight-knit and intellectually stimulating. We hold informal events for students and faculty to mingle and philosophize as well as a departmental colloquium featuring visiting scholars and an undergraduate conference where students present their own work. A student-run philosophy club meets weekly to discuss topics both current and timeless. And we have a chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society.

Follow the Philosophy Club

Honors Thesis

Departmental Honors in Philosophy offers motivated majors the opportunity to pursue sustained, independent inquiry guided by a faculty mentor. Students develop an original research project that reflects intellectual depth, methodological rigor, and philosophical creativity. The process culminates in a substantial written thesis and formal defense, preparing students for advanced study, law, or intellectually demanding careers that value clear thinking and argumentation.

Honors Thesis Requirements

Eric Lopez’s Path to Success Was Paved at Hofstra

The student developed a liberal arts major the combine three areas, including philosophy

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Faculty

Hofstra’s philosophy faculty are active scholars with expertise in areas such as environmental ethics, animal studies, feminism, scientific reasoning and data analysis, and the philosophy of law, religion, and metaphysics.

In the classroom, students explore foundational questions about truth, existence, justice, goodness, beauty, and knowledge. Through courses spanning ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy, you will develop the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sense of an ever-changing world.

A Selection of Hofstra’s Philosophy Faculty

Meet the Full Faculty

Did You Know?

Philosophy majors consistently perform well on graduate and professional exams, including the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and MCAT. By strengthening critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills, the study of philosophy provides a strong foundation for careers in law, medicine, business, and beyond.
Hofstra philosophy graduates pursue a wide range of paths, becoming leaders in fields such as business, government, law, health care, and the arts.
Many notable figures have studied philosophy, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Supreme Court Justice David Souter, entrepreneur Peter Thiel, journalist Glenn Greenwald, former NBA coach Phil Jackson, actors Harrison Ford and Susan Sarandon, filmmaker Ethan Coen, and comedians Stephen Colbert, Ricky Gervais, and Jimmy Kimmel.

Career Potential

A major in philosophy signals to employers strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills, along with the ability to research, evaluate complex ideas, and engage thoughtfully in discussion.

A Hofstra philosophy degree prepares students for a wide range of career paths. Recent alumni have pursued opportunities with organizations including:

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
U.S. House of Representatives
Northwell Health
U.S. Army,
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York

Philosophy majors consistently perform well on graduate and professional exams, including the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. Hofstra graduates who continue their studies have enrolled in respected institutions including:

King’s College London
The New School
Villanova University
University of Connecticut
Georgia State University.

Learn More About Career Potential in Philosophy

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Internships

Internships provide hands-on experience and help focus an undergraduate’s professional goals. Within the Department of Philosophy and Hofstra’s Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, approximately 66% of students make an internship part of their academic experience, and most have completed more than one.

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