Philosophy: Curriculum

Philosophy Major

The major program in philosophy consists of a minimum of ten 3-credit or 4-credit courses, at least seven of which must be taken in philosophy. Courses from other disciplines should support or complement a student’s interests within philosophy and require approval by the Chair of the Philosophy Department. All majors take an internship and capstone experience. The following courses are required of all majors: PHIL 251-252, PHIL 450, PHIL 401, MATH 120 and at least three other PHIL courses at the 300 or 400-level. Students who have not earned at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA, who do not qualify for admission to an internship, must take a directed Field Studies in Philosophy. Students who have a minor in education may petition for exemption from the philosophy internship. We strongly recommend that majors and minors take a course in non-Western philosophy. 

Philosophy Minor

A minor program in philosophy will consist of 15 semester hours in philosophy: PHIL 251-252 and three other courses, at least one of which must be at the 300 or 400 level. Since philosophical questions are concerned with the nature of reality and knowledge and how we conduct our lives, philosophical inquiry leads to the investigation of other disciplines and areas of knowledge. Thus, students may want to double major in philosophy and some other discipline or otherwise combine interdisciplinary work with a major in philosophy (for example, a philosophy major and women's studies minor). We think a minor in philosophy is especially valuable for non-humanities and science majors and a natural choice for students in the humanities.