Philosophy, B.A.

Program Requirements

• Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Philosophy major: 36. 

• Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C.

• Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.0.

The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core curriculum) required for the major: 36.

Each major in philosophy will arrange a program of courses in conference with the chair or a member of the Department who is assigned as the student’s advisor. The program will be designed in terms of the student’s interests, needs, vocational plans, and the year in which the student declares a major.The major will require 36 hours of courses. Only one 100-level course may count toward the major.

All philosophy majors must take any four history of philosophy courses. Any 300-level course is a history of philosophy course.

Majors are required to take PHI 201 - Public Philosophy .  

Majors are strongly encouraged to take PHI 310 .

In order to graduate, all philosophy majors must complete one 400-level seminar in philosophy. Seminar major figures and topics rotate among faculty in the Department.

In the last year a senior thesis (PHI 410 ) is optional. The successful completion of PHI 400  is a prerequisite for taking PHI 410 . This thesis consists of a major paper (minimum length: 50 pages) on a topic selected by the student and directed by one member of the Department. The student will meet with the mentor on a regular basis during the semester of the senior thesis. Upon completion of the paper, an oral examination will be conducted by the full Department.

Graduating with Distinction in the major is granted if the student’s GPA in philosophy is at least 3.5 or higher upon completion of all requirements for the major.

Every major intending to pursue graduate study and teach in philosophy will be expected to take German or French through the intermediate level. German is preferred to French, although ideally both sets of courses should be taken.

All majors are encouraged to take PHI 205 - Logic .

The gender-neutral language policy of the Department prohibits the use of sexist language in classes, course materials, and at departmental events.

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their major or minor. Courses listed below are part of this major and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Course lists that satisfy each requirement can be found on the Core Curriculum webpage.

• Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 3: 

• Quantitative Reasoning:

• Creative Expression: 

• Cultural Interpretation: 

• Science Exploration: 

• Socio-cultural Analysis:

• Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship:

• Culture, Power, and Equity:

• International: 

• Engaged Learning: 

• Capstone: 

USM Core Requirements

Students must complete all Core and degree requirements as part of the Graduation Requirements. For more information, see Academic Policies.

The USM Core Curriculum provides a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal arts education that fulfills general education requirements. It is designed to help students become globally aware, purposeful, and lifelong learners.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor.  For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.