Apr 24, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2021-2022 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

Philosophy Major Core curriculum (15 credit hours)

All philosophy majors must take the following five courses:

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: 15 credit hours
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 3 Philo courses at or above the 300 level Credits: 9
    • 3 Philo courses at or above the 500 level Credits: 9
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3

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

Standard Double or Dual Major Option

This option is for students who wish to combine a major in philosophy with a major in another discipline (double or dual major). 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: 24 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15 credit hours
  • Philo 680 - Independent Study: Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 1 Philo course at or above the 300 level Credits: 3
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3 credit hours
    • Completion of another major at Kansas State University 

Philosophy 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 Philosophy Pre-Law Option

Philosophy course requirements: 36 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15 credit hours
  • Philo 535 - Philosophy of Law: Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 3 Philo courses at or above the 300 level Credits: 9
    • 2 Philo courses at or above the 500 level Credits: 6
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3 

Double or Dual Major Philosophy Pre-Law Option (30 credit hours)

 Philosophy course requirements: 24 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15 credit hours
  • Philo 535 Philosophy of Law Credits: 3 credit hours
  • Philo 680 Independent Study Credits: 3 credit hours
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3 credit hours
    • Completion of another major at Kansas State University

Philosophy Pre-business Options

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. The Department offers two degree options: 

Single Major Philosophy Pre-Business Option

Philosophy course requirements: 36 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15 credit hours
  • Philo 390 Business Ethics Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Electives Credits:
    • 2 Philo courses at or above the 300 level Credits: 6
    • 3 Philo courses at or above the 500 level Credits: 9
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3

Double or Dual Major Philosophy Pre-Business Option

Philosophy course requirements: 24 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15
  • PHILO 390 Business Ethics Credits: 3
  • Philo 680 Independent Study in Philosophy Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Electives Credits:
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3
    • Completion of another major at Kansas State University

Philosophy Pre-ministry Options

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.

Single Major Philosophy Pre-Ministry Option

Philosophy course requirements: 36 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15
  • Philo 615 Philosophy of Religion Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 3 Philo courses at or above the 300 level Credits: 9
    • 2 Philo courses at or above the 500 level Credits: 6
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3

Philosophy Pre-Medicine Options

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. The Department offers two degree options.

Single Major Philosophy Pre-Medicine Option

Philosophy course requirements: 36 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15
  • Philo 365  Medical Ethics Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 2 Philo courses at the 300 level Credits: 6
    • 3 Philo courses at the 500 level Credits: 9
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3
  • Credits: 3
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (9) At least one of the electives must be at the 500 level or above

Double or Dual Major Philosophy Pre-Medicine Option

Philosophy course requirements: 24 credit hours

  • Core curriculum: 15 
  • Philo 365 Medical Ethics Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Elective Credits:
    • 2 Philo courses at the 300 level Credits: 6
    • 3 Philo courses at the 500 level Credits: 9
    • 1 Philo course at any level Credits: 3
  • Credits: 3
  • *Philosophy Electives Credits: (3)
  • Completion of another major in the College of Arts and Sciences

Total credit hours required for graduation: (120)