Philosophy Major and Minor

About Philosophy:

If you are interested in any of the following questions, then you are interested in philosophy: What is democracy and how can it be justified? Does the state have the right to limit the freedom of expression? What is the nature and extent of human knowledge? Can computers think? How can we tell the difference between right and wrong? Is it morally wrong to clone a human being? Do we have an obligation to protect the environment? Are there objective standards of artistic beauty? Are there good arguments for the existence of God?

There is a misconception that the only careers available to philosophy majors are in the academic field, as teachers in schools and universities. Nothing could be further from the truth. The majority move on to careers in other fields, and most of them find that their philosophical training gives them an important advantage in the various areas they end up working in.

This has to do with the nature of the subject and the kind of training that one gets as an undergraduate in philosophy. There is emphasis in philosophy on the development of critical thinking, rigorous reasoning, mastering abstract concepts, and expressing oneself lucidly and convincingly. Philosophy is a natural choice for an undergraduate looking for a broad-based liberal education.

Major Requirements:
Students majoring in philosophy are required to take a total of 36 credits in philosophy, including the following courses: PHIL 210, PHIL 211, PHIL 213, and PHIL 214. 

Minor Requirements:
Students choosing a minor in philosophy are required to take a total of 15 credits in philosophy, including TWO of the following: PHIL 210, PHIL 211, PHIL 213, and PHIL 214.