Philosophy Degrees

The Department of Philosophy offers courses leading to degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. The department offers a general philosophy degree as well as a specialized track in Ethics, Law, and Politics (ELP), at both the Bachelor's and Master's level. A graduate certificate in ELP is also available.

Philosophy is an appropriate area of study for those planning to enter a variety of fields, such as medicine, law, government, theology, literature, sociology, psychology, languages, education, administration, journalism, publishing and business. The Ethics, Law, and Politics specializations are appropriate for students who plan to enter fields where ethical issues are central. Students interested in fields connected to law and politics and students who simply wish to deepen their understanding of ethical, legal and political issues should also consider the ELP specialization. The Ethics, Law, and Politics Graduate Certificate is appropriate for graduate students in fields of study other than philosophy who wish to expand and ground their studies by considering ethical, legal and political theories and issues.

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

Declaring a Major or Minor

To become a general philosophy major or minor, or an ELP major or minor in the undergraduate program, please download the appropriate form below, complete it, and bring it to the Department of Philosophy (Jones Center, Room 102) for signature and processing.

Advisors in the College of Liberal Arts

There are two types of academic advisors in the College of Liberal Arts: College Advisors and Faculty Advisors. Both types of advisors can assist you with your academic progress in different ways and you are able to meet with both types of advisors.

College advisors

The College advisors, located in the College of Liberal Arts Student Center, are year-round professional staff members whose primary role is academic advisement. College advisors are able to assist all students with a major or minor in liberal arts programs.

A College advisor can be particularly helpful with advising for:

  • New students to the University (incoming freshmen/first-year students and new transfer students)
  • Students changing their major into the College of Liberal Arts from another College/School at the University
  • Questions regarding overall degree framework, including Silver Core Curriculum, foreign language, CLA breadth, or the minor requirements
  • Students on academic probation
  • Pre-graduation evaluations for students nearing the completion of their degree preparing to graduate
  • General advising or exploration of liberal arts majors and minors
  • When faculty advisors are not available (especially during winter or summer breaks)

First-year students generally meet with College advisors prior to their first semester at the University (at summer orientation) and throughout the first year.

Faculty advisors

Each academic department in the College of Liberal Arts has one or more faculty advisors. The faculty advisors are academic faculty members that advise specifically for their department’s major and minor programs. In addition to their roles as instructors and scholars, faculty advisors can serve as mentors to students as they progress through their degree.

It is best to consult with a faculty advisor for:

  • Questions about requirements or course substitutions in a major/minor program
  • Selecting specific major/minor classes to meet your academic or professional interests
  • Graduate and professional school planning
  • Exploring internship and career opportunities related to your program

Students are encouraged to meet with faculty advisors on a regular basis, especially after completing the first year of study.