Philosophy is the creative and critical reflection on enduring questions concerning the nature of the world and our place in it. For example, philosophy asks metaphysical questions about what exists, epistemic questions about what we can claim to know, and ethical questions about the nature of the good life and right action. In addition, philosophy involves the study and practice of good reasoning and clear thinking, skills that are essential to any discipline or profession.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Programs.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
- Occasionally, other departments offer courses that are notably relevant for a student's academic focus. Students wishing to count such a course toward their philosophy degree must first consult with the Philosophy Department chair.
- Complete the following major requirements:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
PHIL A101 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
PHIL A201 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL A211 | Ancient and Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL A212 | Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL A301 | Ethics | 3 |
PHIL A311 | Truth and Reality | 3 |
PHIL A309 | Mind and Machines | 3 |
or PHIL A321 | God, Self, and the Afterlife | |
PHIL A350 | Contemporary Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
or PHIL A406 | Philosophy of Law | |
Mastery Course | ||
PHIL A490 | Topics in Contemporary Philosophy | 3 |
Electives | ||
Complete 9 additional upper-division credits from the department's course offerings. | 9 | |
Total | 36 |
A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, of which 39 credits must be upper-division.
Honors in Philosophy
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy recognizes distinguished achievement by conferring programmatic honors in philosophy. In order to receive honors in philosophy, a student must meet the following requirements:
- Meet the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy;
- Meet the requirements for Graduation with Honors as outlined in the catalog;
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 in courses specific to the philosophy major;
- Complete PHIL A498 with a grade of A, and a recommendation for departmental honors from the student’s faculty committee for this course;
- Notify the chair in writing on or before date on which the Application for Graduation is filed with the Office of the Registrar of the intention to graduate with departmental honors.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing a BA in Philosophy will be able to:
- Identify, comprehend, analyze, and evaluate complex philosophical arguments in oral and written discourse.
- Understand, analyze, interpret, and apply major works in the areas of the history of philosophy, ethics, and contemporary topics.