Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts
Program Overview
The Department of Philosophy offers a major in Philosophy within the Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a minor in Philosophy. The study of philosophy can serve many useful purposes, but perhaps the most important are:
Training in philosophy helps one think more clearly, more perceptively, and more effectively. Regardless of one's personal and occupational goals, and regardless of the projects in which one is interested, being able to think clearly and effectively about them is important. Americans today switch careers (not just jobs) two to three times on average over their lives. More than ever it is important to have the learning, critical thinking, and analytical skills that philosophy provides to be able to transition between different professions.
The study of philosophy uniquely helps one to better understand and appreciate oneself, the world outside, and how the two are related. In order to live a happy and fulfilled life, it is important to make sense of life and one's place in it. The satisfaction of that need is at the core of philosophy.
A major in Philosophy will provide strong preparation for a variety of careers, particularly careers in K-12 teaching, business, law, medicine, public policy, the ministry, and college teaching. A minor in Philosophy will provide excellent support for majors in numerous fields, including history, government, English, psychology, sociology, math and certain areas of science and business administration.
Core Curriculum - 42 hours
The Core Curriculum serves as a broad foundation for the undergraduate degree. All candidates for a bachelor’s degree must achieve core student learning outcomes, including communication, critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills, teamwork, personal responsibility and social responsibility, by completing courses within each category or component area of the Core Curriculum as outlined below.
The University has approved specific courses that satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements. Approved courses can be found on the Core Curriculum Page. Students seeking the most efficient way to complete the core curriculum and major or minor requirements are advised to take approved courses that can fulfill both requirements. Although core curriculum courses can also be used to fulfill major or minor requirements, earned credits hours are only applied once.
Major Requirements - 36 hours
Required Courses - 12 hours
Philosophy Core
Prescribed Electives - 24 hours
Must complete at least 15 advanced credit hours in prescribed electives.
Metaphysics or Epistemology - 3 hours
Choose from:
Value Theory - 3 hours
Choose from:
Diversity and Pluralism in Philosophy - 3 hours
Choose from:
Philosophy Electives - 15 hours
Choose from additional philosophy (PHIL) courses not used to fulfill other requirements.
Free Electives - 42 hours
Free elective credit hours at the advanced level may be needed to achieve the institutional minimum of 42 advanced hours.
Total Credit Hours: 42
Total Credit Hours: 120