Philosophy, B.A.

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The Department of Philosophy engages students with fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, and value, to encourage students to examine critically a variety of beliefs, attitudes, and social structures, and to foster creative thoughtfulness and self-reflection.

Studying philosophy teaches students to read and write critically, to analyze concepts and problems carefully, and to express solutions and arguments clearly and forcefully. Thus, studying philosophy prepares students for many different career paths: business, law, medicine, teaching, and post-graduate research in the humanities and sciences.

Students pursuing honors register for PHIL 493 and prepare their theses in both fall and winter term of the senior year. They must present their theses for evaluation before the end of the winter term of the senior year.

Required Course

Complete the following course:

PHIL 170 - Introduction to Logic

Introductory Courses

Choose two courses from the following list. These courses are typically completed before the end of the sophomore year.

Philosophy Courses - 200 Level or Above

Choose at least five philosophy courses at the 200 level or above.

Philosophy Course - 300 Level

Choose at least one philosophy course at the 300 level.

History of Philosophy or Major Figures

Choose two courses from the following list:

Ethics and Value Theory

Choose two courses from the following list:

Metaphysics and Epistemology

Choose two courses from the following list:

Senior Capstone

Honors in Philosophy: PHIL 493 . Students who are pursuing Honors in the Major must speak with the department head or honors coordinator and apply for honors candidacy before the end of the junior year. Students pursuing honors register for PHIL 493 and prepare their theses in both fall and winter term of the senior year. They must present their theses for evaluation before the end of the winter term of the senior year. Students who attempt, but do not receive Honors will receive 3 or 6 credits of PHIL 473 .

Total Major Requirements 33 Credits (36 with Honors)

This major requires a total of eleven 3- or 4-credit courses (twelve courses with Honors) that total a minimum of 33 credit hours (36 for honors).