2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Requirements for a Major in Philosophy
The credit-hour requirements for the philosophy major remain modest at only 30. This is because we take seriously the value of electives in the student's college program and the value of exploring and discovering one's real interests in philosophy. The number of required hours in philosophy is also modest because we wish to encourage students to discover the importance of relating philosophy to other fields through double majors, minors, and clusters of elective courses indicating developed proficiencies.
Because the Philosophy Major involves a good deal of flexibility, majors are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to determine a plan of study including course-work or pathways within the major and also potential connections to other disciplines. Each philosophy major will keep an e-portfolio where they will be asked to reflect on their progress in the major at key points, and as a repository for course work and other projects they complete during their time in the major.
Degree Requirements
The philosophy B.A. requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language (201). We strongly encourage completing the fourth semester of the language (202) as well.
Major Course Requirements
Students majoring in philosophy must complete a minimum of 30 hours in the department.
The following course is required for all philosophy majors:
- PHI 103 - Logic (3 credits)
- PHI 311 - Origins of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 313 - Reason, Experience, Morality at the Dawn of Modernity: Early Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 410 - Advanced Topics in the History of Philosophy (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses:
- PHI 210 - Eastern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 240 - Middle Eastern Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 400 - Wisdom of the East: Advanced Topics in Asian Philosophy (3 credits)
The following Capstone course is required for all philosophy majors:
Elective Courses
Students may choose electives from any other courses in the philosophy program course listings. At least one elective must be chosen from PHI 400, PHI 415, PHI 416, PHI 420, PHI 430, PHI 440, PHI 450, PHI 460, or PHI 470. Courses numbered PHI 380 and PHI 410 may be repeated for credit when their content varies.
Suggested Order of Coursework
Year One
- PHI 103 - Logic (3 credits)
- An elective, usually at the 100- or 200-level
- Beginning language course (101 and 102)
Years Two
- PHI 311 - Origins of Western Thought: Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 313 - Reason, Experience, Morality at the Dawn of Modernity: Early Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
- Intermediate language course (201)
Year Three
- One Non-western philosophy course (3 credits)
- Two PHI electives, usually including an Issues course (6 credits)
Final Year
- PHI 410 - Advanced Topics in the History of Philosophy (3 credits)
- PHI 495 - Reality, Knowledge, and Value (Capstone) (3 credits)
- 400-level elective (3 credits)