Philosophy (Morality, Politics and Law), BA


Liberty, equality and justice are the basis of many legal systems. Combining courses of philosophy, law, politics and policy enables you to tackle these topics, as well as explore answers philosophically when moral questions arise concerning politics and law.

Accelerated options for this program are not currently available to ASU Online students.


Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts program 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 and 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 who plan to pursue postgraduate work in law, policy or politics.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate different approaches to constitutional interpretation and their application to actual case law.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: Yes
  • Math Intensity: General
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map on-campus archive

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Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

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 and master's degree with:

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation)
Gain the ability to integrate economic, cultural and political variables in working to solve critical societal development issues, such as raising standards of living. You'll have opportunities around the world to tackle some of humanity's most difficult and urgent challenges.

Global Management (Global Development and Innovation) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking)
Are you seeking a leadership role in a global organization? This concentration offers applied learning opportunities and internships in settings around the world. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.

Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy)
Where business meets creativity, and strategy meets design. You can become tomorrow's global leader, equipped with the tools to inspire audiences, craft digital experiences, and drive innovation on a worldwide scale.

Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism)
Prepare for leadership roles in the global tourism arena. You'll be equipped with the skills needed to transform global enterprises --- skills that are increasingly important as ecotourism grows and the tourism industry adopts sustainability practices.

Global Management (Sustainable Tourism) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions)
Learn powerful new strategies and tactics to make sustainability a driver of organizational engagement, cost savings and innovation. You'll become an expert leader who can transform sustainability practices in your chosen field.

Global Management (Sustainability Solutions) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management
Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Global Management Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Administration)
There is a cross-sectoral need for professionals who have both public administration mastery and next-generation global management skills and experience. As a future executive or manager, you'll be equipped with these sought-after skill sets.

Global Management (Public Administration) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship)
Acquire the expertise needed to conceive and execute innovative global ventures. Through rigorous coursework and in-depth exposure to current multicultural business practices, you'll master the principles of management for global entrepreneurial enterprises.

Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery)
Are you seeking a leadership role in the rapidly growing health care industry? Through this concentration, you'll gain a repertoire of global management skills and experience tailored specifically to health care.

Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Affairs)
Are you looking to become a leader in a nonprofit, governmental or international business role? With specialized cross-training in international affairs and the fundamentals of global management, you'll be ready to make a great impact on a worldwide scale.

Global Management (Global Affairs) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Business)
Become a leader through mastery of global business management principles and practices. You'll gain an understanding of the economic, political and social factors driving change and how decisions affect global markets. Attain the perfect balance of practical and people skills to inspire, influence and drive global success.

Global Management (Global Business) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation)
Thrive in global markets and respond to the challenges of the global and digital landscape of today's interconnected world. Customize your degree and acquire digital skills in marketing, design, product development, automation and data analytics.

Global Management (Global Digital Transformation) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management )
Are you a globally minded person who demands a purpose-driven career? Prepare for impactful roles in nonprofit organizations around the world as you gain the knowledge necessary to produce meaningful, rewarding work that enhances communities.

Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management ) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Public Policy)
Are you seeking a career as a policy analyst or leader in public service? Join graduates around the world who are involved in the formulation, approval, implementation and evaluation of public policy.

Global Management (Public Policy) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Global Management (Global Legal Studies)
Engage in experiential learning and build your skills in global management and legal analysis --- skills that are in demand among multinational corporations, international nonprofit organizations, governments and nongovernmental organizations around the world.

Global Management (Global Legal Studies) Program Website | Locations: DTPHX

Public Administration
Prepare yourself as a results-oriented, strategic leader capable of keen decision-making through this prestigious, flexible degree program. Become a leader in the public sector by engaging with distinguished faculty and a cohort of exceptional peers.

Public Administration Program Website | Locations: DTPHX,HAINA,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

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 U.S. Department of Justice. The program is excellent preparation for law school.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Business Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 33.5%
  • Median Salary*: $112,590.00
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators


  • Growth: -0.7%
  • Median Salary*: $93,580.00

Editors


  • Growth: 0.6%
  • Median Salary*: $75,260.00

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: -0.7%
  • Median Salary*: $93,580.00

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: $156,210.00

Judicial Law Clerks


  • Growth: 2.5%
  • Median Salary*: $60,400.00

Lawyers


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $151,160.00

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: $67,710.00

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: $44,810.00

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



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Global Experience

Students can explore the diverse variety of cultures and philosophies around the globe. With more than 300 distinct programs available to them, students can tailor their study abroad experience to their interests and skill sets. Study abroad programs help students gain valuable skills, such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability skills, as well as cultural competence --- all of which enhance their resumes.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in philosophy with a concentration in morality, politics and law.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.