Major Requirements: Philosophy

(as of fall 2026)

Students wishing to major in Philosophy may choose from two options: the Philosophy major, or the Philosophy Pre-Law major, which offers special preparation for students considering a career in law or related fields.

Philosophy Course List

Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • PHIL 151B: Introductory Logic
  • PHIL 201: Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • PHIL 202: Early Modern Philosophy
  • PHIL 485: Research in Philosophy

History of Philosophy (Choose One – 3 Credits)

  • PHIL 301: Medieval Philosophy
  • PHIL 302: Hume And Kant
  • PHIL 303: Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche
  • PHIL 310: Plato
  • PHIL 342: Phenomenology
  • PHIL 343: Existentialism
  • PHIL 344: Critical Theory

Value Theory (Choose One – 3 Credits)

  • PHIL 160: Introduction to Ethics
  • PHIL 210: Social and Political Philosophy
  • PHIL 212: Aesthetics
  • PHIL 220: Introduction to Feminism
  • PHIL 225: Practical Ethics
  • PHIL 226: Medical Ethics
  • PHIL 320: Philosophy of Law I
  • PHIL 325: Philosophy of Law II
  • PHIL 330: Environmental Ethics
  • PHIL 335: Ethical Theory
  • PHIL 430: Seminar: Ethics, Environment, & Sustainability

Philosophy and Religion (Choose One – 3 Credits)

  • RELG 210: Islam
  • RELG 251: Native American Religions
  • PHIL 283: Hinduism
  • PHIL 284: Buddhism
  • PHIL 318: Philosophy of Religion
  • RELG 350: Happiness: Here and Now

Philosophy of Science, Language, Technology (Choose One – 3 Credits)

  • PHIL 244A: Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL 251: Philosophy and Technology
  • PHIL 307: Philosophy of Language
  • PHIL 306: Advanced Logic

Electives (Choose Three – 9 Credits) Choose from any course listed above, other Philosophy courses, or the courses below:

  • CLAS 302: Democracy and Revolution in Ancient Athens
  • CLAS 318: Ancient Slavery and Its Legacy

Total Credits: 33

Additional Requirements & Honors

  • Level Requirement: At least 15 total credits in the degree program must be at the 300/400 level.
  • Special Topics: Courses offered as 231*, 331*, 491, and 492 are special topics or individual study courses; these may count toward specific areas depending on content and faculty approval.
  • Honors Eligibility: Students with a 3.5 GPA in Philosophy (and 3.25 overall) are eligible for Departmental Honors, contingent on a grade of “A” in PHIL 485 and a successful oral defense.