Major in Philosophy

Degrees Offered: B.A.

Requirements:

33 total hours in Philosophy are required.

A 2.00 cumulative GPA is required for retention in this major.

Required Philosophy courses (15 hours):

• PHI 112
• PHI 201
• PHI 232
• PHI 254
• PHI 255

Elective Philosophy courses (18 hours):

• At least one 3 hour elective course from two of the three groups, A, B, and C (6 hours):
  • Group A - Non-Western Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, Human Nature:  PHI 202, 207, 208, 222, 224, 246
  • Group B - Mind, Science, Metaphysics, Epistemology:  PHI 204, 205, 206, 250, 251, 253, 263
  • Group C - Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy:  PHI 233, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242
• At least two elective courses (6 hours) at the 300 level:
  • PHI 305, 310, 315, 330, 340, 350, 363
• At least two additional elective courses in Philosophy (6 hours) with no more than one course (3 hours) at the 100-level (PHI 101, 104, 105).

              

Concentrations

Philosophy majors may elect to take courses in one or more of the following areas of concentration, depending on individual interests. (NOTE: A concentration is not required and will not appear on the student's transcript or diploma.)

Pre-law: PHI 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 246

Ethics: PHI 233, 234, 236, 330

Metaphysics and Epistemology: PHI 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 222, 224, 250, 251, 253, 263, 310, 315, 363

History of Philosophy: PHI 207, 208, 254, 255, 305, 350.

 

Advising

For current and prospective majors, the department academic advisor is Derek O'Connell. Feel free to reach out to him via email if you have advising questions @ drocon1@ilstu.edu.

Advising Frequesntly Asked Questions:  ISU Department of Philosophy

There is also a document for frequently asked questions. It answers many of the more common questions about the department, major, and graduation.