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Philosophy

Philosophy Major (HBA)

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:  PsychologyPolitical ScienceEnglish LiteratureHistorical and Cultural StudiesComputer and Mathematical Sciences

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)
  • Get involved with the Association of Philosophy Students (APS) at UTSC to connect with peers in your area of study and learn about opportunities available on campus.
  • Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.

Plan for Your Future Career

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 PHLB50H3 or PHLB55H3.
  • PHLB99H3 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
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 CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
  • Attend the annual International Undergraduate Philosophy Conference 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’s 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. MATC09H3 can be used as a PHL course for this requirement.
  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
  • Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
  • Check CLNx 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
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 Summer & Full-Time Job Fair 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’s Partners in Leadership 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’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
  • Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

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 (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts

  • Departmental Contact
    Jason Ferreira
    jason.ferreira@utoronto.ca
    416-208-2976
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/philosophy/
  • Philosophy Librarian
    Chad Crichton
    chad.crichton@utoronto.ca
    ARC main floor
    416-287-7492
    https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
  • Association of Philosophy Students
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/philosophy/utsc-association-philosophy-students-aps-0
  • Academic Advising & Career Centre
    AC213
    416-287-7561
    https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
  • Department of Student Life
    SL157
    416-208-4760
    https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
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Did You Know?


We are the top-ranked philosophy program in Canada, and a leading philosophy department in the English-speaking world.