Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law), BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law), BA LAPHIMPBA : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Available online

Additional information

Program description

The BA in philosophy with a concentration in morality, politics and law combines the basic analytical approaches of philosophy with an emphasis on the moral questions that arise in political theory and law. The foundations of political and legal systems are moral values, such as individual liberty, equality and justice. These are contested values, open to different understandings of their nature and implications.

Students explore the nature of morality, political theory, legal theory and the interconnections between them. Students complete philosophy courses as well as courses from disciplines related to philosophy to enrich and enliven their understanding of the intersections of morality, politics and law. This degree program is of special interest to students planning to pursue postgraduate work in law, policy or politics.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
  • Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Business), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
  • Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
  • Global Management, MGM

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Present and defend a philosophical view about a specific sub-topic in philosophy using concepts, technical terminology, and methods acquired in an advanced topical seminar as well as skills in logical analysis and civil and respectful argumentation.
  • Evaluate how well different normative ethical theories such as consequentialism, deontology, virtue theory, provide moral standards that dictate which (if any) actions are right and wrong.
  • Evaluate different approaches to constitutional interpretation and their application to actual case law.
  • Apply the concept of formal validity and the rules of deductive inference to evaluate the deductive validity of prose arguments and to construct formalized proofs in symbolic logic.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

Students can explore the diverse range of cultures and philosophies. With over 300 unique programs around the globe available to them, students can tailor their study abroad experience to their interests and skill sets. Study abroad programs help students gain valuable skills that enhance their resumes, such as problem-solving, communication, adaptability and cultural competency.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for career opportunities in law, policymaking and analysis, politics and intelligence work. For example, graduates may find employment with the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency or the United States Department of Justice. The program is excellent preparation for law school.