Overview

The Philosophy programme at Western Kentucky University provides students with a rigorous intellectual environment focused on the examination of human thought and values. By engaging with both historical and contemporary texts, students develop the ability to analyse complex ideas and defend normative claims effectively.

This course of study is built upon the Socratic principle that an unexamined life is not worth living. It encourages learners to question their relationships with society, nature, and the universe while training them to challenge the obvious through systematic reasoning and honest reflection.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical exploration with practical application.

Why Philosophy at Western Kentucky University?

The department offers a distinctive teaching approach that emphasises the development of habits for careful reasoning and intellectual honesty. Students have access to a wide range of specialised courses that bridge the gap between traditional philosophical inquiry and modern societal challenges.

Facilities such as Cherry Hall provide a dedicated space for academic advising and scholarly engagement. The programme is structured to allow for significant flexibility, enabling students to tailor their studies through a diverse selection of electives and interdisciplinary options from related fields.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Logic, Epistemology, & Metaphysics

Logic, Argument, & Practical Reasoning
Symbolic Logic
Philosophy of Religion
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Mind: Minds & Machines
Philosophy of Language
Metaphysics & Epistemology
Advanced Logic

History of Philosophy

Early Analytic Philosophy
Plato and Aristotle
Skeptics, Stoics, & Epicureans
Medieval Philosophy
Early Modern Moral Philosophy
Descartes & Hume
Kant & Idealism
Leibniz & Locke
20th Century Philosophy
Existentialism
Readings in Ancient / Medieval Philosophy
Readings in Modern / Contemporary Philosophy

Ethics and Values

Racial Justice
Philosophy and Popular Culture
Philosophy of Public Space
Why Are Bad People Bad?
Philosophy & Gender Theory
Aesthetics
Biomedical Ethics
Social Ethics
War and Peace
Marx & Critical Theory
Ethical Theory
Philosophy & Old Age
Philosophy of Law

Additional Requirements and Electives

Senior Seminar
Enduring Questions: Truth & Relativism
Enduring Questions: the Good & the Beautiful
Enduring Questions: the Committed Life
Independent Research in Philosophy
Meaning of Life: Atheism to Zen
Confucianism
Daoism
Political Theory

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Logic, Argument, & Practical Reasoning

Philosophy of Religion

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Mind: Minds & Machines

Early Modern Moral Philosophy

Descartes & Hume

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 999 other Bachelors in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)

Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA

Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit

English proficiency requirements

$75 non-refundable application fee

Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.

Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20

Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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