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Majoring in Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy offers a B.A. in Philosophy.
There are three versions of the major:
- the standard major with no concentration,
- the Ethics & Law concentration, and
- the Ethics for Data & Computing concentration.
If you don’t specify a concentration on the major declaration form (pdf), you will default to the standard major with no concentration. We generally recommend that students choose the version that allows them to best explore their interests. If you don’t know which option that is, then declare the standard major with no concentration, as it offers a lot of flexibility. There are six core requirements (18 credits) that are the same for all three options, and all it takes to switch into a concentration is to complete another major declaration form with the concentration listed.
If you chose the standard major and plan to use it as a basis for a liberal education, you may take the minimum major requirement of 30 hours in the department. Those who wish to use the standard major to prepare for graduate study in philosophy or in a related discipline will normally take more than this required minimum.
A program for each major will be developed through consultation with a member of the philosophy faculty acting as a major advisor. To declare a major in philosophy, take the major declaration form (pdf) to the faculty member in the department whom you would like to choose as your advisor. That professor can help you complete the course plan and will sign the form as your advisor when it is completed. The form should be submitted to the Registrar's Office. If you have questions about the philosophy major, feel free to contact the Department Chair.