Nov 03, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Philosophy, B.A.



Description

Philosophy is the foundation for all other disciplines. As the questions are narrowed and the research tools become more refined, they break off into the more specialized disciplines we are familiar with today. In this way, philosophy aims at clarity of thought, constructing methods of justification, and the ability to communicate ideas

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Studies show that philosophy majors score significantly higher on the LSAT, GMAT and GRE. Philosophy majors also have one of the highest acceptance rates for medical school compared to other undergraduate majors. Students go on to Masters and PhD programs in Philosophy, but many philosophy majors choose careers in other areas such as: Pre-college teaching, Health and medicine, Law and criminal justice, Public relations, Government (e.g. FBI), Non-profit Organizations, Global Development, Managerial work in business and public sector, Consulting, Publishing, Editing, Research, Library and Information Services.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: critical thinking, writing, complex problem solving, clear and concise communication, agility of mind, and the capacity for continued new learning.

Admission to Major


No requirement other than good academic standing in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Hours Required for Degree


Minimum hours required for degree: 121

Minimum hours required for major: 34

Minimum hours required for residency: 17

College Requirements


See college page  for college requirements.

Major Requirements


Pre-Law Track


Capstone Course: 1 credit

History of Philosophy Elective: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)


Electives: 18 credit hours


Students must complete six other philosophy elective courses, at least two of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count one of the following courses from other discliplines toward the pre-law track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA


The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Ethics Track


Capstone Course: 1 credit

History of Philosophy Elective: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)


Applied Ethics Electives: 3 credit hours (select one of the following courses)


Electives: 21 credit hours


Students must complete seven other philosophy elective courses, at least four of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count one of the following courses from other disciplines toward the ethics track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA


The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Traditional Track


Core Courses: 10 credit hours


Electives: 24 credit hours


Students must complete eight other philosophy elective courses, at least four of which must be at the 300- to 400-level.

Students may also count up to TWO of the following courses from other disciplines toward the traditional track upper-level elective requirements:

GPA


The average GPA for all Philosophy courses must be a C (2.0) or better.

Philosophy Honors Program


Students must complete 12 hours of honors credits – 6 elective philosophy credits and 6 related to completion of an independent research (writing) project.

The 6 elective honors hours can be met by:

  • taking honors courses in philosophy;
  • doing up to 3 hours of independent research or
  • contracting a philosophy course to make it into an honors course.

The 6 credits toward the independent research projects will include two semesters of PHL 497H - Honors Project .

These credits can all be used towards the regular major, so this does NOT require the student to take more than the normal 34 hours.

Accelerated 3+3 Degree


The CSU College of Law 3+3 program permits a student who has completed three years of undergraduate study to be admitted to the College of Law to begin J.D. studies. The undergraduate degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the first full year of the J.D. curriculum, thus permitting the student to graduate with both an undergraduate and law degrees in six rather than seven years of full-time study (or its equivalent). In effect, the first year of law school completes the fourth year of the undergraduate degree (serving, in effect, as undergraduate elective courses) and serves as the first year of law school. This arrangement saves both time and money for the student.