Philosophy Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
Philosophy is the study of the ideas that shape our thought and action, and it addresses fundamental questions and problems associated with reality, truth, existence, logic, and morality. Develop the intellectual abilities and techniques required to think effectively for yourself at a deeper level. Explore the ideas that underlie controversial issues in politics, morality, science, religion, art, and more. Courses cover a wide range of topics including art, ethics, feminism, politics, techniques of argument, and theories of knowledge and the mind.
Complementary Programs:
Psychology, Political Science, English Literature, ,
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Analyze concepts, definitions, arguments and problems
- Organize ideas and issues
- Deal with questions of value, and extract what is essential from masses of information
- Distinguish fine differences between views and discover common ground between opposing positions
Careers for Graduates
- Associate in Consulting Services
- Risk Analyst in Financial Services
- Intelligence Officer in Security Agencies
- Research Associate in Marketing Agencies
- Policy Analyst in Government Services
- Technical Writer in Business
- Salesperson in Academic Publishing
Further Education
- Philosophy
- Law School
- Teacher Education
- Public Administration
- Labour Relations
- Corporate Communications
- Production Editing
- Software Engineering
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- and are recommended as an intro to the PHL Specialist and Major programs.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
- Use and the to plan your courses and program of interest.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the (APS) at UTSC to connect with peers in your area of study and learn about opportunities available on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests 鈥 you can check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September and register with 鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- [A total of 7.0 PHL credits is required for the program including those listed in each year.]
- Take or .
- is recommended for PHL programs and is important preparation for advanced C- and D-level PHL courses.
- Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to strategize for your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Apply Theory to Practice
- Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus (e.g., apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Check (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
- Attend the annual to hear presentations given by a keynote speaker and your senior undergraduate peers.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- At least 3.0 PHL credits at the C- or D-level. can be used as a PHL course for this requirement.
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library or .
- Consider participating in the UTSC Undergraduate Research Symposium to showcase your work in an interdisciplinary setting.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Participate in the annual to showcase your work, and listen to other presentations by keynote speakers and your undergraduate peers.
- Apply to the to receive pedagogical training and to work as a Teaching Assistant in introductory philosophy courses.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the (APS).
- Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre鈥檚 (ISC) Global Learning programs.
- Consider applying to summer undergraduate philosophy institutes abroad.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
- Talk to professors about how to strengthen your application for graduate school.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥 and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- APS - Association of Philosophy Students (https://utscaps.wordpress.com)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- ISC - International Student Centre (/utscinternational)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
Departmental Contact
Jason Ferreira
E-mail: jason.ferreira@utoronto.caPhone: 416-208-2976
Philosophy Librarian
Chad Crichton
E-mail: chad.crichton@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7492
Association of Philosophy Students
/philosophy/utsc-association-philosophy-students-aps-0
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Did You Know?
We are the top-ranked philosophy program in Canada, and a leading philosophy department in the English-speaking world.