Philosophy (BA) at Cornell University

Programme overview

The study of philosophy introduces students to a wide variety of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, mind, language, reason, and value, from the abstract to the applied, as well as to texts from various philosophical traditions; our courses help students develop skills in analytical thinking and writing that are valuable both in academia and beyond. Studying philosophy affords the excitement and satisfaction that come from understanding and working toward solutions of intellectual problems.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Duration: 120 credits minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ithaca, NY, United States

What you will study

A minimum of eight philosophy courses taken for a letter grade and a minimum of 24 total credit hours , as well as six additional credits (generally two courses) in philosophy or other philosophy-adjacent courses (approved by the major advisor), for a total of ten classes (30 credit hours) with grades of C or better in each. 6 Philosophy courses at the 2000-level or higher.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to the university through the undergraduate college that offers the major (College of Arts & Sciences); no separate programme-specific admission requirement is listed in the catalogue entry. See Cornell undergraduate admissions.

USD 73,946 a year (2026-27). Endowed Ithaca undergraduate tuition (Architecture, Art and Planning; Arts and Sciences; Engineering; Hotel Administration), one rate for all students; tuition only, excludes mandatory fees, housing and meals. The programme is listed under an endowed coll Source

First-year applicants: Early Decision (binding) and Regular Decision for fall entry. Transfer applications are considered for the fall semester only.

First-year Early Decision: application and fee due November 1, other required materials November 13, decisions mid-December. Regular Decision: application and fee due January 2, other materials January 19, decisions late March. Applications are submitted through the Common Application; the application fee is $85 (fee waiver available). SAT or ACT scores are required for first-year applicants.

Transfer applicants: application and fee due March 15, other required materials April 15, decisions late April through June, for fall entry only. Applications use the Transfer Common Application; the fee is $85. SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor expected for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities