In every major area of study there are questions about values or methodology that philosophy can explore. So, philosophy can deepen your understanding of your major field of study. In addition, philosophy trains a person to think rigorously about fundamental questions—to express ideas clearly and logically—to understand and evaluate conflicting points of view—to reason in a careful way. These intellectual skills are useful in almost any career. And of course, like every minor, philosophy is an area of knowledge that has its own intrinsic value.
Please contact our Undergraduate Program Director, Dr. Richard Kim, with any questions!
Curriculum
All minors must take at least six courses in philosophy, at least two of these being 300-level courses.
Each student's minor program must include:
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
| 3 |
| Ethics | |
| Social and Political Philosophy | |
| Business Ethics | |
| Health Care Ethics | |
| Contemporary Ethical Issues | |
| Ethics and Education | |
| Environmental Ethics | |
| Culture and Civilization | |
| Philosophy and Gender | |
| 3 |
| Philosophy & Persons | |
| Philosophy of Religion | |
| Metaphysics | |
| Philosophy of Science | |
| Logic | |
| Theory of Knowledge | |
| Philosophy of Mind | |
| Aesthetics | |
| Judgment and Decision-Making | |
| 6 |
| 6 |
Total Hours | 18 |
You can design a program to fit your own needs. If you plan a law career, for example, you would likely want to emphasize areas like reasoning, evidence and political theory. Academic counselors can help you design a program. What follows are some suggested sequences for students preparing for careers in law, business, medicine, or religion. Of course, the general requirements stated above must be incorporated in these suggested sequences.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Law
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
PHIL 181 | Ethics | 3 |
PHIL 274 | Logic | 3 |
PHIL 182 | Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 275 | Theory of Knowledge | 3 |
or PHIL 330 | Theory of Knowledge |
| 3 |
| Philosophy of Law | |
| Political Philosophy | |
| Topics in Political Philosophy |
| Philosophy of Marxism | |
| 3 |
Total Hours | 18 |
Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Business
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
PHIL 181 | Ethics | 3 |
or PHIL 182 | Social and Political Philosophy |
PHIL 274 | Logic | 3 |
or PHIL 275 | Theory of Knowledge |
PHIL 285 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 |
| 3 |
| Philosophy of Law | |
| Ethics and Society | |
| Political Philosophy |
| Topics in Political Philosophy |
| Philosophy of Marxism | |
| 3 |
Total Hours | 15 |
Suggested Minor Sequence in Pre-Health
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
PHIL 181 | Ethics | 3 |
PHIL 182 | Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
PHIL 273 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
or PHIL 381 | Philosophy of Science |
PHIL 284 | Health Care Ethics | 3 |
| 6 |
| Ethics and Society | |
| Philosophy of Medicine | |
| Topics in Philosophy of Religion | |
Total Hours | 18 |
Suggested Minor Sequence in Religion
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
PHIL 181 | Ethics | 3 |
PHIL 271 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
PHIL 305 | Medieval Philosophy | 3 |
or PHIL 340 | Philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas |
PHIL 380 | Topics in Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
| 3 |
| Issues in Philosophy of Human Nature | |
| Problems in the Philosophy of God | |
Total Hours | 15 |