Undergraduate Major Requirements

General requirements

A major in philosophy requires a minimum of 33 hours (11 courses) of philosophy. At least 9 hours (3 courses) must be at or above the 4000-level. At least 15 additional hours (5 courses) must be at or above the 3000-level. Only courses in which a grade of C or better has been earned count toward the 33-hour requirement. Up to 9 hours (3 courses) in other departments may be counted for the 33-hour requirement, with the approval of the Philosophy Department. The department strongly recommends that prospective majors take PHIL 1000, Introduction to Philosophy, as their first course in philosophy.

Distribution requirement.

Students must choose three of the four distribution areas and take at least 6 hours (2 courses) in each of the chosen areas, including at least one core course in each chosen area. The distribution areas, with core courses in bold type, are:

Metaphysics and epistemology: PHIL 2310, 3440, 4510, 4560, 5190, 5440.
Ethics and philosophy of value: PHIL 2200, 2300, 2330, 3300, 3350, 4200, 4370, 5300.
Logic and philosophy/history of science: PHIL 2010, 2420, 3140, 3150, 3420, 3500, 4140, 4420
History of philosophy: PHIL 2100, 3100, 3220, 3320, 4100, 5020, 5030, 5040, 5060, 5070, 5100, 5110, 5210.

Special topics courses such as PHIL 3000, 4000, 5200 are assigned to the appropriate distribution area on a course by course basis. Some courses listed above, especially graduate seminars in area 4, might count in another area, though a student may not use a course to satisfy the distribution requirement in more than one area.

To work out a suitable program, please consult with the department’s undergraduate advisor.

Interdisciplinary concentrations.

The department also offers its majors a chance to concentrate in a number of interdisciplinary areas, including political philosophy and environment and natural resources. Majors with interdisciplinary concentrations substitute special distribution requirements for the normal six hours in each of three areas.

Majors with a concentration in political philosophy must meet these distribution requirements: two 3000-level or higher courses in political theory from the Department of Political Science; PHIL 2200; PHIL 4200; two philosophy courses, including at least one core course, in a philosophy distribution area other than ethics and philosophy of value.

Majors with a concentration in environment and natural resources must meet these distribution requirements: two 3000-level or above courses in the ENR program; two philosophy courses, including at least one core course, in the logic and philosophy/history of science area; two philosophy courses, including at least one core course, in the ethics and philosophy of value area.

Other interdisciplinary concentrations are available by petition. Ask the undergraduate advisor for further assistance.