Philosophy & Biology, Undergraduate Polymath Pathway, B.A.

The Philosophy and Biology Polymath Pathway at the University of Southern Maine (USM) is designed for students wanting to pair scientific inquiry with ethical reasoning and philosophical depth. By combining Philosophy and Biology, you’ll be uniquely prepared for fields where science and society meet - shaping the future of fields such as medical ethics, genetic counseling, hospital administration, biomedical research, and health policy.

This integrated approach develops lab skills, ethical reasoning, and analytical thinking preparing you to navigate emerging questions in healthcare, biotechnology, and the environment. Medical schools and graduate programs value applicants who combine scientific expertise with a humanistic perspective, and this Polymath Pathway positions you to succeed in roles requiring biological knowledge and philosophical inquiry.

The Philosophy and Biology Polymath Pathway is typically completed in 4 years. You will work with your academic advisors at USM to develop a streamlined and tailored academic plan.

Program Requirements

Major Courses that Satisfy Core Requirements

Students are encouraged to explore Core courses that also count towards their majors. Courses listed below are part of the Philosophy & Biology Polymath Pathway and also satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements. Each Polymath Pathway utilizes a 28-credit abridged Degree Completion Core Curriculum, as shown below, to accommodate student schedules.

Writing, Reading, and Inquiry 1:
Quantitative Reasoning: PHI 205 or MAT 152
Creative Expression:
Cultural Interpretation: PHI 105
Science Exploration: BIO 107
Socio-cultural Analysis:
Ethical Inquiry, Social Responsibility, and Citizenship: PHI 201 , PHI 301
Culture, Power, and Equity OR International: PHI 221
Capstone: PHI 400 and BIO 421