Department of Philosophy > Requirements

Philosophy Major
The Philosophy major consists of at least nine courses.  The traditional core requirements are:
Logic: Phil 156 or more advanced work
History sequence: Phil 290, 291, and 292
Ethics and Comparative Philosophy: 305 and 325. 
The senior requirement involves a creative research project, which may be completed through a senior seminar or an independent research project or senior thesis.

Beyond the core courses, students may develop a particular focus in some aspect of philosophy, such as metaphysics, values issues, or Asian thought, which can then provide a foundation for the senior project.  Students who would like to focus more exclusively on a particular aspect of philosophy may (in consultation with their advisor) propose to substitute a different course for one of the core requirements.  Proposals will be reviewed by the department Chair.

Students interested in graduate school in Philosophy should take the traditional core plus a number of advanced courses that will provide background in the traditions and approaches they seek to study. 

  • For students interested in Continental philosophy, Phil 320 or some independent work in 20th century Continental approaches is essential. 
  • For students interested in analytic programs (the majority of graduate programs in the United States), coverage of 20th century analytic philosophy, e.g. through  Phil 294, is needed.  Further, some advanced work in logic (instead of or in addition to Phil 116) would be appropriate.

Philosophy is a valuable major for students interested in law school, not simply because issues about the law often emerge in philosophical discussion, but because the analytic, reading, and writing skills developed through the study of Philosophy are essential for success in law careers.  Students interested in law school should take Phil 116 no later than their junior year.

Philosophy Minor
The Philosophy minor consists of 6 courses in Philosophy, no more than 2 at the 100-level and at least 2 at the 300-level.  Students considering a minor in Philosophy are encouraged to speak to a member of the Department, to plan their programs.