About the Program
The Philosophy program provides students with the tools necessary to examine human systems of value, knowledge, and belief. Classes place a huge importance on argumentation and cultivating reasoning skills, as well as learning how to translate them into a successful and meaningful career.
What You'll Learn
- Become an effective, analytical, and critical thinker.
- Learn how to communicate clear arguments orally and in writing.
- Specialize in either a theoretical or applied field within philosophy.
- Produce an original piece of scholarship.
- Become more reflective of the human condition and the effect of globalization and diversity.
- Gain familiarity with philosophy and its central issues.
- Think and write in the form and by the method proper to the discipline of philosophy, (i.e., rational argumentation in support of a thesis).
- Understand the relevance of philosophical thinking to one’s own life and public policies and practices.
Plan of Study
You will start by taking lower-division courses where you will explore the history of philosophy and its ethical consequences. As you progress through the program, you will be required to take research seminars for your senior thesis. You’ll also have the opportunity to customize your experience by choosing an area of concentration.
Concentrations
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy
Requires 6 credit hours from upper-level coursework in complementary disciplines such as history, psychology, and sociology.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy
Requires 8 credit hours of a laboratory science as approved by the student’s advisor.
Liberal Education Courses
You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.
Sample Courses
Critical Thinking
In this course, you will practice the skills involved in clear thinking and intelligent reading, with an emphasis is placed on sound decision-making in everyday life. You will learn how to identify fallacies in argumentation and master the fundamentals of deductive logic.
Philosophy of Religion
In this course, you will explore philosophical issues in religion, such as the nature of God, the problem of evil, the prospect of immortality, and more. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between science, monotheism, and theologies to delve into the multiple interpretations of religion.