Philosophy Major, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Department of Philosophy

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

The major in Philosophy emphasizes and reinforces general skills, both critical and creative, that will serve as a basis for further studies, in a field such as law or public policy, or professional careers, including management and government. The departmental publication Philosophy at MSU Denver contains further particulars, including information about the course distribution areas referenced below. Undergraduates preparing for graduate study in philosophy should plan their academic program in close consultation with a department advisor.

Student Outcomes

On completion of their degree in Philosophy, students should have a detailed understanding, sophisticated appreciation and critical awareness:

of the nature and complexity of human thought, of its critical and creative possibilities, and of the longstanding;
of the core problems, issues, and approaches, first delineated and associated with philosophical inquiry,
of the possible ramifications and innate complexity of even basic philosophical ideas, and the ability to adjudge and evaluate such notions in light of the purposive aspects of human existence.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
A minor is required for this program.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural Requirement for degree completion.
Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Required Core Courses: 12 credits

Area One: Language and Logic: 6 credits

PHI 2440 - Symbolic Logic Credits: 3
PHI 3120 - Philosophy of Language Credits: 3

Area Two: History: 6 credits

PHI 3000 - History of Ancient Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 3020 - History of Modern Philosophy Credits: 3

Additional Distribution Requirements: 12 credits

Area Three: Knowledge and Reality: 3 credits

Choose one of the following courses:

PHI 3320 - Metaphysics Credits: 3
PHI 3330 - Epistemology Credits: 3
PHI 3400 - Philosophy of Science Credits: 3
PHI 3530 - Philosophy of Mind Credits: 3

Area Four: Value: 3 credits

Choose one of the following courses:

PHI 3150 - Social and Political Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 3350 - Ethical Theories Credits: 3
PHI 3360 - Business Ethics Credits: 3
PHI 3370 - Computers, Ethics, and Society Credits: 3
PHI 3380 - Science and Human Values: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3390 - Aesthetics Credits: 3
PHI 3430 - Philosophy of Law Credits: 3
PHI 3450 - Human Nature and Conduct: Variable Topics Credits: 3

Area Five: Diverse Perspectives: 3 credits

Choose one of the following courses:

PHI 3180 - Feminist Philosophy Credits: 3
PHI 3410 - Eastern Philosophy: Variable Topics Credits: 3
Other courses will satisfy this requirement depending on their content in a particular iteration.

Area Six: Advanced Philosophical Topics: 3 credits

Choose one of the following courses:

PHI 3480 - Histories of Desire: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3500 - Advanced Humanistic Inquiry: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3510 - Phenomenology Credits: 3
PHI 3550 - Existentialism Credits: 3
PHI 3570 - Hermeneutics Credits: 3
PHI 3600 - Currents in American Thought: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3610 - Religious Studies: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3700 - Philosophy and the Arts: Variable Topics Credits: 3
PHI 3810 - Major Philosophers: Variable Topics Credits: 3

Philosophy Electives: 9 credits

Select three additional philosophy electives (of which one may be lower division).

Senior Experience: 3 credits

PHI 4100 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirement	33 credits
Multicultural Requirement	0-3 credits
Required Courses	12 credits
Additional Requirements	12 credits
Philosophy Electives	9 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives	48-60 credits
Total for the Philosophy Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.