Department of Philosophy

Philosophy Major (B.A.)

Program objectives for a B.A. in Philosophy are: (a) to acquire fundamental knowledge reflecting the subdivisions within the discipline; (b) to express a high degree of satisfaction with the program and instruction within the department; (c) to be able to demonstrate skills which will be beneficial in further study or in their career paths.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements.

B. College and Degree (B.A.) Requirements (18-19 hours)

The College and Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.

C. The Major (30 hours)

Completion of 30 semester hours in philosophy courses including PHIL 1101 or 1102, 1611, 3001, 3002, 3411 or 3511 and 15 additional upper division semester hours.

To prepare philosophy students fro success in a number of fields, the department offers courses in the following sub-divisions of philosophy.

Philosophy of Law/Political Philosophy PHIL 3411, 3511, 3512, 3515, 3516, 4551.

Ethics/Social Philosophy PHIL 3411, 3452, 3511, 3512, 3514, 3515, 3741, 4551.

Philosophy of Religion/Religious Studies PHIL 3411, 3451, 3511, 3701, 3702, 3721.

Philosophy/Contemporary Culture PHIL 3411, 3451, 3452, 3511, 3512, 3741, 3771, 3781, 4441, 4671.

Philosophy of Science/Epistemology PHIL 3460, 3512, 3515, 3621, 4421, 4422, 4632, 4661.

D. Electives

Electives may be chosen to bring the total number of hours to 120.

E. Honors Program

This program is open to philosophy majors with a 3.0 overall average and a 3.5 average in philosophy. The student will complete, with a minimum grade of "B", a thesis submitted for credit in PHIL 4891. The thesis topic must be approved by the thesis director before the student registers for PHIL 4891.

Those students who complete the program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred “With Honors in Philosophy.” Moreover, the student’s diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this distinction.

Philosophy Minor

Completion of 18 semester hours in philosophy courses, including PHIL 1101 or 1102, 1611, and 12 upper division semester hours. In consultation with the coordinator of undergraduate studies in philosophy, a student may design a minor (18 hours) that applies to the student’s major area of study.

Typical 4-Year Philosophy Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours: 120-122

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement