Philosophy within the General Studies Major

Students may seek either a minor or a general studies major focused on philosophy. The description and objectives of the major in general studies may be found in General Studies

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a focus in philosophy will be able to

  • Apply logical, critical, and ethical thinking to a range of human issues.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and with groups to convey ideas and knowledge and to establish professional competency.
  • Develop skills and competencies required for sustainable professional success.
  • Use appropriate resources to research and critically analyze real world situations.
  • Cultivate an awareness of one's changing relationship to diverse social, historical, and cultural contexts.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in general studies and a focus in philosophy requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for Philosophy within the General Studies Major

Coursework for a major in general studies with a focus in philosophy includes the following:

  • Required foundation courses (6 credits): PHIL 100 and one of the following courses: PHIL 140 or 170
  • Core courses (21 credits): Any upper-level PHIL courses
  • Supplemental major course (3 credits): Additional courses related to the discipline (contact an academic advisor for a list of approved courses)

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in general studies with a focus in philosophy. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Philosophy within the General Studies Major Minor Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/writing

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)

or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

Foundation Courses

(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)

or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

PHIL 100Required by major Introduction to Philosophy (3)

PHIL 140Required by major Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or other foundation course for the major
(see Requirements for the Major)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)

or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

IFSM 304 Ethics in Information Technology (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

ANTH 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
(recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

PHIL 307Required by major Asian Philosophy (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 311Required by major Studies in Existentialism (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 315Required by major Ethical Issues in American Business (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 336Required by major Ideas Shaping the 21st Century (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 348Required by major Religions of the East (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 349Required by major Religions of the West (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

PHIL 343Required by major Sexual Morality (3)
or other core course
(see Requirements for the Major)

HUMN 351Required by major Myth in the World (3)
or other related course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (46)

Total credits for BS in general studies 120

Minor in Philosophy

The philosophy minor complements the skills students gain in their major disciplines by providing a study of the relationships between personal opinions and real world issues faced by as members of a pluralistic, open society.

Requirements for the Philosophy Minor

A minor in philosophy requires the completion of 15 credits in philosophy. All PHIL courses and GVPT 101 apply. Students are strongly recommended to take PHIL 140 and a course in critical thinking or logic (PHIL 110 or 170), if they have not already applied the courses toward other degree requirements.

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, students should refer to their major and the General Education Requirements.


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Last updated: 30 June 2011