The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) in Philosophy degree completion program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed specifically for domestic transfer students with at least six or more completed courses at a regionally accredited college or university. The bachelor’s in Philosophy builds competencies in logic, languages, and the exegesis of texts and arguments while focusing on Western philosophy—including the major philosophical thinkers and movements over time.
CEOs know that thinkers who can assess subtleties and explore varying perspectives are vital assets to companies that strive to think outside the box or provide innovative solutions to complex social, business, and technological challenges. With an emphasis on critical thinking, BU MET’s part-time BS in Philosophy program centers on the history of philosophy; the history and philosophy of science, mathematics, and logic; and the philosophy of religion. Our faculty are scholars of ancient and early modern philosophy; the Scottish Enlightenment; German Idealism; phenomenology; Continental philosophy; analytic philosophy; American philosophy; and the philosophy of logic and mathematics. You’ll gain exposure to the philosophical problems of human existence, and the ability to discuss and critique them on an intellectually informed basis.
Note: Students pursuing the philosophy degree program may have to cross-register and take upper-level courses in the College of Arts & Sciences at day tuition rates.
Program at a Glance
- On Campus
- Part-Time*
- 128 Credits
- 24–36 Months**
*Please note that Metropolitan College does not issue visas to international students for full-time on-campus study in undergraduate programs (degree or non-degree).
**Program duration depends on volume of approved transfer credits. To learn more about transfer credit eligibility, please contact an Admissions Advisor.
Flexible, Part-Time Degree Completion—at Boston University
The BLS in Philosophy at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is a self-paced bachelor’s degree completion program offered in a convenient, part-time evening format—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced programs in a variety of majors on campus, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program, leading to a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.
A Foundation for Success in Philosophy
Metropolitan College’s Bachelor’s in Philosophy degree will equip you with:
- An in-depth understanding of the major philosophical thinkers and major philosophical movements over time.
- Exposure to the major philosophical problems of human existence, and the ability to discuss them on an intellectually informed basis, and to review them critically.
- A broad-based education in the liberal arts, including exposure to the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences, that may be considered complete in itself or suitable as preparation for graduate study.
Why Complete Your Philosophy Bachelor’s at BU?
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s philosophy bachelor’s program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements across the social sciences and liberal arts.
- Extensive Network: Study principles of philosophy alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable professional contacts, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
- Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Center for Antiracist Research, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, and many others.
- Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.
- Affordability: Complete your bachelor’s part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
- Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Bachelor’s in Philosophy Curriculum
Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan College are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (128 credits), including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and elective
Hub Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Philosophy may, through related coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, and Critical Thinking.
Major and Related Courses
A total of 16 courses (64 credits), completed with a grade of C or higher, is required.
Required Courses
Nine courses (36 credits), including the following:
MET PH 160 Reasoning and Argumentation
MET PH 300 History of Ancient Philosophy
MET PH 310 History of Modern Philosophy
And one of the following:
MET PH 101 Basic Problems of Philosophy
MET PH 110 Great Philosophers
One philosophy course (4 credits) at the 400-level
The remaining four philosophy courses must be chosen with the advice and approval of the department coordinator. Students wishing to pursue a philosophy program must cross-register and take upper-level philosophy and/or related courses in the College of Arts & Sciences at day tuition rates.
Related Courses
Choose seven courses (28 credits) with the advice and approval of the department coordinator. At least three courses must be at the 300 level or above. Students are encouraged to plan programs that combine philosophy with other disciplines in the humanities or in the social and natural sciences.
Electives
Electives are chosen with the advice of an academic counselor. The number of electives varies depending on transfer credit.
View all Philosophy undergraduate courses.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET’s bachelor’s degree completion programs allow students to quickly complete their degree at an affordable part-time tuition rate, enrolling in two to three courses (8–12 credits) each semester. Eligible graduates from any public Massachusetts community college receive a 50 percent tuition reduction.
Total program cost is dependent on the quantity of transferrable credits and number of courses taken each semester. For a cost estimate based on your academic background, please connect with an admissions advisor.
This chart shows the variable costs dependent on the volume of incoming transfer credit:
| Incoming Transfer Credits** |
68–80 (17–20 courses) |
36–64 (9–16 courses) |
24–32 (6–8 courses) |
| Remaining BU Credits for Degree Completion |
48–60 (12–15 courses) |
64–92 (16–23 courses) |
96–104 (24–28 courses) |
| Time to Degree | 4–7 semesters (16–28 months)*** |
6–11 semesters (24–44 months)*** |
8–14 semesters (32–66 months)*** |
| Tuition per Credit* | $535 | $535 | $535 |
| Fees per Semester* | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $25,920– $32,520 |
$34,600– $49,880 |
$51,840– $56,480 |
*Based on 2023–2024 Boston University tuition & fee rates. Some courses may require a $200 undergraduate lab fee (for non-computer science courses).
**To determine your transferrable undergraduate credits, schedule an appointment with Assistant Director of Admissions Kevin Ahearn.
***Program completion time is dependent upon transfer credits and pace of enrollment (two or three courses per semester).
Please note that enrollment in four or more courses in a semester requires students to pay the full-time (per semester) tuition rate.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit the Boston University Financial Assistance website. We also encourage you to review the scholarship opportunities for BU MET undergraduate students.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
