Philosophy, B.A.

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. The remaining nine hours (3 courses) may be at any level.
• Only those courses in which a grade of C or better has been earned may count toward the 33-hour requirement.

​The department strongly recommends that prospective majors take PHIL 1000 - Introduction to Philosophy , as their first course in philosophy.

Distribution Requirements

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.

Special topics courses (for example, PHIL 3000 , PHIL 4000 ) are assigned to the appropriate distribution area on a case by case basis. And some of the courses listed above, especially the graduate seminars in area 4, might count in other distribution areas. To work out a suitable program, please consult with the department’s undergraduate adviser.

The general level requirement and distribution requirement may be satisfied by the same courses. That is, a course may satisfy both of these requirements at the same time. No course may satisfy more than one distribution area, and no course may satisfy more than one general level requirement.

The department allows its majors to concentrate in a number of interdisciplinary areas, and we welcome double-majors in philosophy and another field. Please consult the department’s undergraduate adviser to work out a suitable program.

The distribution areas are: