Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts

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.

Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.

Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours

Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements.

Major Requirements – 78 Hours (51 advanced)

Philosophy Core – 21 hours (12 advanced minimum)

Within the Philosophy Core and Philosophy Electives section, Sole Philosophy Majors must complete a total of 30 hours in advanced Philosophy; Double-Majors/Minors must complete a total of 24 hours in advanced Philosophy.

Philosophy Foundation – 15 hours (12 advanced)

Required

PHIL 1340	Introduction to Logic	3
PHIL 3301	Ancient Philosophy	3
PHIL 3303	Modern Philosophy (1600-1800)	3

Choose one:

PHIL 4310	Epistemology	3
PHIL 4312	Metaphysics	3

Required

PHIL 4380

Senior Seminar

Value Theory – 3 hours

Choose from:

PHIL 1310	Ethics, Happiness, and the Good Life	3
PHIL 1312	Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy	3
PHIL 1330	Philosophy, Art, and Film	3
PHIL 2306	Introduction to Ethics	3
PHIL 2320	Professional Ethics	3
PHIL 2322	Ethics, Health, and Culture	3
PHIL 2326	Ethics, Technology and Society	3
PHIL 2328	Environmental Ethics	3
PHIL 3330	Aesthetics/Philosophy of Art	3
PHIL 3352	Religion and the Environment	3
PHIL 4302	Special Topics in Applied Ethics	3
PHIL 4320	Moral Theory	3
PHIL 4322	Social and Political Philosophy	3

Diversity and Pluralism in Philosophy – 3 hours

Choose from:

RELS 1304	Introduction to World Religions	3
PHIL 1305	Introduction to Latin American Philosophy	3
PHIL 1306	Introduction to Asian Philosophy	3
PHIL 1362	Race, Sexuality, and Class	3
RELS 2350	Introduction to Religious Literature	3
PHIL 3360	Feminist Theories	3
PHIL 3355/RELS 3355	Buddhism	3
PHIL 3365	Chicana and Latin American Feminisms	3
PHIL 4305/LAMS 4391	Special Topics in Latin American Philosophy	3
PHIL 4345	Mexican/Mexican-American Philosophy	3

Tracks – 57 hours (33 advanced minimum)

Choose a Philosophy Major track or a Double Major or Minor Track:

The Philosophy Major Track Consists of:

Philosophy Electives - 21 hours (12 advanced)

Free Electives - 36 hours (12 advanced)

The Double Major or Minor Track Consist of:

Philosophy Electives - 15 hours (6 advanced)

Double Major or Minor - 42 hours (18 advanced minimum)

Total Credit Hours: 51

Total Credit Hours: 120

Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements, if applicable:

Graduation requirements

Students must complete a Senior Seminar prior to graduation.