Philosophy B.A. Program Requirements

Philosophy majors have the option of focusing on one or more specialized subject areas by declaring any of the following approved tracks and taking four courses within the track, or they may take any other combination of required and elective PH courses that fulfills the major requirements.

The Ethical Theory and Practice track provides knowledge of major ethical theories and develops skill in applying ethical concepts and decision-making to personal lives and professional careers. This track is ideal for students interested in learning how to engage with and address complex ethical issues that we confront in all areas of life, as well as those who plan to pursue careers in biomedical ethics, cyberethics, environmental ethics and sustainability, or business ethics and compliance.

The Law, Politics, and Social Justice track provides knowledge of the foundations and principles of our social, political, and legal systems, develops skill in applying concepts to address issues and tools to solve problems that arise in these contexts. This track is ideal for students who plan to pursue careers in law, government or public policy.

The Science, Technology, and Society track examines the scientific approach to understanding the world and the impacts of science and technology on individuals, society and the natural world. This track is ideal for students who plan to pursue careers in science or technology policy.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core Requirements. All students also must fulfill Liberal Arts Core and University requirements, and some of the following courses may also satisfy those requirements.

PH 100 Exploring Philosophy * 3
OR
PH 102 Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom *
OR
PH 103 Exploring Philosophy Through Science Fiction *
PH 300 Modern Logic * 3
PH 400 Internship 3
PH 422 Senior Seminar * 3

MAJOR ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS

Six (6) credits in philosophy electives.

Four courses from an approved track or four (4) PH courses from the 200 level or higher.

Ethical Theory and Practice track

PH 303 Animals, the Environment, and Ethics * 3
PH 305 Business Ethics * 3
PH 305SL Business Ethics * 3
PH 309 Ethical Theory * 3
PH 311 Biomedical Ethics * 3
PH 313 Cyberethics * 3

Law, Politics and Social Justice track

PH 300 Modern Logic * 3
PH 301 Social and Political Philosophy * 3
PH 302 Comparative Social and Political Philosophy 3
PH 307 Philosophy of Law * 3
PH 309 Ethical Theory * 3

Science, Technology, and Society track

PH 230 Mind, Brains, and Machines * 3
PH 250 Science, Technology and Society * 3
PH 303 Animals, the Environment, and Ethics * 3
PH 313 Cyberethics * 3

PHILOSOPHY MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Students can complete the philosophy minor by taking one introductory level course in philosophy and any twelve (12) additional credit hours of philosophy courses numbered 200 or higher. As an option, minors may complete a group of four courses in one of the three tracks available to philosophy majors.

MINOR REQUIREMENTS

PH 100 Exploring Philosophy * 3
OR
PH 102 Exploring Philosophy Through Ancient Wisdom *
OR
PH 103 Exploring Philosophy Through Science Fiction *
Twelve (12) additional credits in philosophy courses