Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Philosophy (B.A./B.S.)


The program in philosophy gives students an understanding of traditional philosophical subjects such as the nature and justification of moral values, religious and scientific explanations of the world, the rationality of social institutions, and the nature of reasoning and argument. 

There are six degree options for the BA and BS degree:

  • Standard Philosophy Option
  • Philosophy/Pre-law Options
  • Philosophy/Pre-business Option
  • Philosophy/Pre-ministry Option
  • Philosophy/Interdisciplinary Option
  • Philosophy/Pre-med Option

Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) requirements

Standard philosophy option


This option is for students who are interested in a traditional liberal arts course of study.

Philosophy course requirements (36 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (12) Three of the electives must be at the 500 level or above

Pre-law options


While no one major is given preference by law school admission boards, law schools recognize the value of philosophy for refining skills in expression, comprehension, and critical thinking. According to the Pre-Law Handbook, ‘‘the free and spirited consideration of philosophical questions is almost the model for legal training.’’

The department offers two degree options:

Single Major Option (36 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)

Interdisciplinary Option (30 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)

Philosophy/pre-business option


The pre-business option is for students who plan to do graduate work leading to a master’s in business administration. This program has been developed in accordance with the results of surveys in professional business journals that rate this type of program as an excellent preparation for careers in business leadership.

Single Major Option (36 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)

Double Major Option (30 credit hours)


This option is for students who wish to combine a philosophy/pre-business degree with an undergraduate degree in the College of Business Administration.

  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)

Philosophy/pre-ministry option


This is a nonsectarian program designed for students who are interested in the religious ministry as a profession. Students will be advised on other courses outside philosophy recommended by most American schools of theology.

Philosophy course requirements (33 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)

Philosophy/pre-med option


While no one major is given preference by medical schools and related post-graduate programs, their admission committees recognize philosophy as a valuable primary or secondary major. In fact, surveys indicate that nationally, philosophy graduates have some of the highest acceptance rates at medical schools. Students in this program will be advised to supplement their education with an important science component.

Philosophy course requirements (33 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)
  • Credits: 3
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (9) At least one of the electives must be at the 500 level or above

Note


Students choosing this option and planning to apply for medical school are strongly advised to combine it with at least a minor in one of the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, or physics.

Double Major Option (30 credit hours)


This option is for students who wish to combine a philosophy/pre-med option with another Arts and Sciences major.

  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)
  • Credits: 3
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (3)
  • Completion of another major in the College of Arts and Sciences

Interdisciplinary Option


This option is for students who wish to combine a major in philosophy with a major in another discipline. each student completing a degree under this option must have a faculty advisor in the Department of Philosophy who supervises the student’s program.

Philosophy course requirements (30 credit hours)


  • Core curriculum Credits: (24)
  • Credits: 1-18
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (6) At least one of the electives must be either PHILO 680 or receive prior departmental approval.
  • Completion of another major in the College of Arts and Sciences

*Electives


Unless otherwise restricted, electives may be chosen from any course with the PHILO designation.

Total credit hours required for graduation: (120)