2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Jul 07, 2025  
2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Philosophy, B.A.


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The mission of the philosophy major is to provide students with skills in reasoning, evaluation, argumentation, and communication that will prepare them for their chosen profession; to encourage critical engagement with the major ideas, figures, and theories in philosophical traditions; and to provide extensive knowledge of the field of philosophy. Through quality teaching and engaged learning, our majors acquire the ability to express ideas effectively, to appreciate great works in philosophy, and to make reasoned, thoughtful, and compassionate judgments in the complex and diverse world in which we live.

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies encourages students to apply these skills to current issues relevant to their lives, and it is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment that helps students of all backgrounds to mature intellectually and emotionally so that they are prepared for life in our diverse, global society. In addition, the department advances the mission of the University to promote personal integrity and responsible behavior in a range of fields, including business, medicine, law, and government, and to prepare students for global citizenship by promoting understanding and acceptance for cultural and religious differences.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the requirements for a B.A. in philosophy will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

  1. Ancient and modern philosophy;

  2. Metaphysics and epistemology;

  3. Logic;

  4. Argumentative writing in philosophy.

 

Degree Requirements (120 Credits)


Core Curriculum Requirements


  

Graduation Requirements


Graduation Requirements (3-6+ Credits) *  

Foundation Requirements (0 - 6 Credits) *


Note:


* Course credit hours only count once toward the total university graduation credit hour requirements. Click on Credit Sharing  for more information.

Major Requirements (33 Credits)


Capstone


Choose one course from the following:

  • 3 credit hours of study abroad, approved by the advisor and chair to fulfill the major requirement Credits / Units: 3 credits

  • Note: The internship for PHIL 495 must be approved by the advisor and chair to fulfill the major requirement.

Electives in philosophy (9 Credits)


Choose 9 additional credit hours in philosophy, with three credit hours at or above the 100 level and six credit hours at or above the 300 level.

Cognate Requirements (12 Credits)


Students who do not choose to have a minor in another discipline must fulfill the cognate requirement. Cognate courses are non-introductory courses drawn from outside the major but are intended to support the major. Cognate requirements may include three credit hours at the 200-level; otherwise cognates should be at or above the 300-level, must be related to the student’s major, and must be approved by the student’s adviser. Courses for cognate credit may be drawn from one or more departments. A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all cognate courses.

Electives (23-36 Credits)


Total Credits Required (120 Credits)


A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in each philosophy course to be applied toward the major or minor.

Courses appearing above in two categories may only help satisfy one category, not both.

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