Major in Philosophy 

School of Arts and Sciences 

(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

The study of philosophy has been fundamental to the education of people in all great civilizations. The major offers a thorough grounding in philosophy together with intensive training in philosophic analysis. It entails an examination of the nature and historical development of our fundamental ideas concerning the universe and our relation to it. Systematically studying major theories of ethics, metaphysics, knowledge, and logic trains students to develop their own ideas and to understand and defend their beliefs. The abilities to think logically and systematically and to evaluate the competing claims of different value systems and alternative world views are fundamental tools of the educated, rational person.

Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education - click here for details.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

(See also General Education Core)

Course		Credit Hours	Year Taken
Core		34-55
Major Course Requirements
Students must complete components A through D.
A. Philosophy 101 Critical Thinking		3	1
Philosophy 105	History of Ancient Philosophy	3	2,3,4
Philosophy 106	History of Modern Philosophy	3	2,3,4
Philosophy 315	Theories of Knowledge	3	2,3,4
Philosophy 345	Political Ethics	3	3,4
Philosophy 490	Readings in Philosophy	3	4
B. One of the following:		3
Philosophy 103	Problems in Philosophy		1,2
Philosophy 104	Philosophy of Religion		1,2
C. One of the following:		3
Philosophy 107	Ethics		1,2
Philosophy 108	Professional Ethics		1,2
D. Three philosophy courses at the 300-level or higher
		33
Major-Related Course Requirements
History 105 or 106		3
History and Philosophy of Science 126 or 127		3
A 9 credit hour elective sequence in liberal arts or sciences approved by the adviser. These courses must not overlap with courses counted toward core requirements		9
		15
(When a student has completed a second major or minor in a liberal arts field, the elective sequence requirements for the philosophy major will be satisfied.)
Electives
The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credit hours required for this degree, and at least 90 credit hours of the 120 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences. Students are strongly urged to follow a sequence in foreign languages, advanced courses in literature, and a two-course sequence in science. At least 15 credit hours of electives must be taken at the 300-level or above.