DEPARTMENT OF

PHILOSOPHY

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About the Department

Philosophy is a quest for understanding, a systematic pursuit of fundamental truths concerning existence, knowledge, and value. Studying philosophy develops essential reasoning skills and habits of mind: critical thinking and creative problem solving, synthesizing complex information, developing and assessing arguments, considering multiple viewpoints, and dealing with disagreement and moral complexity. It is ideal for students preparing for advanced study or aiming at demanding careers that value clear thinking and argumentation. Graduates go on to careers in fields such as law, business, government, medicine, teaching, and counseling.

Faculty

Meet the Faculty

Hofstra’s Philosophy faculty are scholars actively engaged in research in areas such as theory of knowledge, philosophy of biology, environmental ethics and theories of justice.

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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Degrees & Programs

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES & PROGRAMS

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

Concentrations

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

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.

Beginning for the 2024-2025 academic year, 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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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
AI Foundations, Ethics and Applications

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Internships

Internships provide real-world 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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