Overview

Among the oldest of the academic disciplines, philosophy explores fundamental questions about the world, including the nature of reality, knowledge, beauty, truth, justice, consciousness, the self and the good life. With its emphasis on cultivating the art of thinking, philosophy is also among the most useful of contemporary disciplines, teaching the essential skills of critical reflection, analytical reasoning, creative problem solving and articulate expression. By studying philosophy, students both sharpen their minds and deepen their understanding of the world and the wonder it inspires.

In addition to acquiring a strong background in the history of philosophy, students benefit from pursuing the far reach of philosophy into social and political thought, logic, ethics, religion, science, history, ecology and the arts.

What is distinctive about studying philosophy at Sweet Briar?

We provide majors with the tools to conduct independent research. Our students graduate from Philosophical program at Sweet Briar College with a strong foundation and the ability to address particular topics precisely and accurately. Students will learn to read complex texts, evaluate evidence and deploy it effectively in written and oral argument. They will possess research and writing skills that can be applied to any job field.

We are interdisciplinary because philosophy has an important role to play in the dialogue with other academic programs. We believe this mode ofinstruction is central to a liberal arts curriculum and the development of active and critical thinking. In fact, because we believe so strongly in the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy, Professor Penfield is part of the team that is teaching Sweet Briar’s required core curriculum course in design thinking.

With our small class sizes, students engage more directly in their education. Special-topics courses ensure that students have a voice in what we cover in the classroom.

What can you do with a degree in philosophy?

We pride ourselves on offering intellectual disciplines relevant to all areas of the curriculum and to many different career pathways.

Philosophy is among the very best disciplines at preparing students for graduate school: Based on national averages, philosophy students perform better than any other majors on LSAT and composite GRE scores while ranking in the top 4 on GMAT scores. Recent majors have attended law school, pursued medicine, studied at the graduate level or launched careers in business, education and nonprofit organizations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Logic

Political Philosophy

Topics in the History of Philosophy

Classical Mythology

The Archaeology of Everyday Life

The Ancient World, 8000 BC to 300 AD

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Sweet Briar has rolling admission. All international applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials by June 1.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sweet Briar, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 1000 other Bachelors in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Completed application. Sweet Briar will accept either the Common Application or online application.

Verified official scores from at least one of the following with an acceptable minimum score. Official scores must be submitted directly to the College.

A standardized test is optional. Sweet Briar accepts either the SAT or ACT. Official scores must be submitted directly to the College. Sweet Briar’s SAT and TOEFL code is 5634, and the ACT code is 4406.

Official copies of all high school transcripts (or equivalent) and college course transcripts (if applicable) in English. For advice on translating documentation, please contact the Admissions office at admissions@sbc.edu or call +1 (434)-381-6142.

Live interview utilizing Skype, Facetime, Zoom or similar technology.

Upon acceptance, College Board’s International Student Certification of Finances.

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

26220 USD / year

≈ 26220 USD / year
Out-of-State

26220 USD / year

≈ 26220 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

26220 USD / year

≈ 26220 USD / year

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

What is distinctive about studying philosophy at Sweet Briar?

What can you do with a degree in philosophy?

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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