Philosophy (BA)

Co‑op

Available as a Minor

Dive into Philosophy at Laurier and explore the depths of knowledge, existence, and reality while uncovering how historical, social, political, and cultural forces shape our thinking. Our program equips you with practical, hands-on skills that employers highly value. Graduate with the ability to craft well-reasoned, evidence-supported arguments that address contemporary issues, preparing you for impactful careers in law, public policy, education and beyond.

Transform your curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities into career success with a Philosophy degree from Laurier.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on in this program:

  • Explore Big Ideas and Real Issues
    Discover the power of Philosophy and dive into profound questions about knowledge, reality, values, and society. Our program offers an engaging exploration of both traditional and non-traditional topics, including feminism, gender theory, Non-Western philosophies, and environmental ethics.
  • Pathways to Law
    Combine a BA in Philosophy with a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Our Bachelor of Laws (University of Sussex, UK) and BA (Laurier) can be completed in six years.
  • Pathways to Business
    Start your Philosophy program with a conditional offer to join our full-time MBA program (with co-op) after graduation. This program is six years: four years in the BA program plus two years in the MBA program. The MBA program consists of three academic terms plus one paid four-month or eight-month work term.
  • Accelerate Your Degree
    Fast-track your future by completing your degree in just three years. By working with your Academic Advisor and taking courses during the summer semesters, you can graduate early and get a head start on your career or graduate studies. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more):

  • Apply to Co-op
    Arts Honours students in Philosophy can apply to the co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies. Co-op is designed to provide you with opportunities to develop skills and gain real-world experience in the career path of your interest.
  • Get Involved Outside the Classroom
     Join the WLU Philosophy Club, where you can engage in live debates, open discussions, and research projects with peers and professors. You can also attend guest lectures and submit your work to the Canadian Philosophical Association Student Essay Contest to gain valuable experience in professional writing.
  • Participate in Mock Trials
    Sharpen your legal skills through live debates, classroom simulations, and mock trials, then take it to the next level by joining our award-winning Moot Court team, competing across Canada in real-time cases judged by legal professionals.
  • Ensure a Supportive Start
    Ease your transition into university with our first-year courses, AF105S (Skills) and AF105W (Writing). These courses help you build the foundations for academic success, developing key skills in time management, critical thinking, research, and writing. 

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • lawyer/paralegal
  • ethical consultant
  • community development officer
  • diplomat/embassy worker
  • labour negotiator
  • management/business consultant
  • political strategist
  • technical writer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate future-ready.

Future Laurier Arts students have two options to engage in co-op. You can apply in first-year to our co-op program and complete three-work terms of four months’ duration and gain valuable experience during their studies.

You can also get a head-start and apply for direct admission to our brand-new co-op program straight from high school in select Arts programs. In both pathways, you will gain 12 months of career experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op in the Faculty of Arts.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?