Students in this four-year, full-time, honours BA program will complete 40 semester-long courses, half of which will be in philosophy. Students will supplement their philosophy classes with courses in the social sciences, in other humanities fields, and in other areas. Students also have the option of completing one or two minors in a wide range of fields.

This program will include diverse learning formats that incorporate experiential learning, independent and group study, group discussion, public dialogue, and lectures. Courses like Project in Applied Philosophy (PHL 802) and Philosophy Engaging Communities (PHL 803) allow students to apply their coursework to contemporary social issues.

Graduates from this program possess the analytical, critical-thinking, abstract-reasoning and problem-solving skills that serve them well in a wide variety of professions, careers and educational pursuits.

• For information about how to apply to this program, visit Undergraduate Admissions.
• For information about degree requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
• For information about what you can do with a philosophy degree, see our Careers Page.

philosophy in acs

Students who are enrolled in Ryerson's BA in Arts and Contemporary Studies may choose to study philosophy in any of these ways:

• by enrolling in the Philosophy Option. This involves taking 12 semester-long courses in philosophy (out of 40 overall in the Arts and Contemporary Studies BA degree). Students who complete this Option will have a special notation placed on their official Ryerson transcript.
• by enrolling in any one of the following Options: Culture Studies, Diversity and Equity Studies, Global Studies, or Inquiry and Invention. Each of these interdisciplinary Options allows students to select one or more elective courses in philosophy. Students who complete any one of these Options will have a special notation placed on their official Ryerson transcript.
• by enrolling in the General ACS Option. This Option allows students to select many elective courses in philosophy.
• by choosing Liberal Studies courses in Philosophy.

All students in Arts and Contemporary Studies must complete six Liberal Studies courses, of which at least three must be Upper Level. Many philosophy courses are available. Note: students enrolled in the Philosophy Option must complete six Liberal Studies courses, but they may not choose Liberal Studies courses in philosophy.

undeclared arts

Undeclared Arts is a gateway program that allows first year students to explore various degrees in the Faculty of Arts before selecting one that best matches their interests and goals. Students in Undeclared Arts may sample philosophy courses, and may subsequently transfer to the new BA in Philosophy, or to the BA in Arts and Contemporary Studies, or to other degree programs in the Faculty of Arts. See the Transferability Guidelines.

liberal studies

Every student at Ryerson who is enrolled in an undergraduate degree program must complete Liberal Studies courses. Most programs require students to complete 6 Liberal Studies courses, at least 3 of which must be at the Upper Level. Many philosophy courses are available at both the Lower Level and the Upper Level. Check the details of your program's curriculum in the Ryerson Undergraduate Calendar, and note that some restrictions apply.

ethics certificate

The Philosophy Department offers a Certificate in Ethics, which consists of 6 courses (2 required and 4 elective). You do not need to be enrolled in a degree program at Ryerson to enroll in this Certificate. If you are currently enrolled in a Ryerson degree program, and if some of the courses listed in the Certificate in Ethics are part of your program's curriculum, you may count 3 of these towards the Certificate.

part-time studies

Ryerson's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education offers a wide range of Philosophy courses. These are available for part-time students, and also for full-time students who are attracted to the School's evening, spring/summer, and distance formats. If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, make sure that any courses you take from the Chang School are listed on your program's curriculum in the Ryerson Undergraduate Calendar. Any courses you take that are not part of your program's curriculum will not normally be counted towards your degree.