Undergraduate program
Philosophy is the study of the most fundamental issues concerning reality, knowledge, and value. Its fields include metaphysics (ultimate nature of reality), epistemology (nature of knowledge and reasoning), and ethics (principles of moral obligation). Through the study of the Philosophy Department’s curriculum, students learn about the historical traditions and contemporary theories in these fields. Philosophy also examines the basic concepts, principles, and arguments of the major scientific and intellectual disciplines concerned with the study of domains of reality, features and practices of knowledge, and social values and arrangements. These topics are addressed in areas such as philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of law, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion.
The study of philosophy enriches students’ lives as metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical reflection is essential to individual development and cultures across time and place. Moreover, philosophy enhances skills of abstract thinking, clear argumentative writing, careful reading and analysis of texts, and oral argument. Philosophical training is then valuable in almost any area of life and any occupation that requires examination and analysis of problems, critical evaluation of alternative solutions, and rational advocacy of conclusions and courses of action. Philosophy is also an excellent undergraduate major for pre-professional students: philosophy majors outscore all other majors on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE’s) and receive scores among the highest on the LSAT’s, GMAT’s, and MCAT’s. It is ideal for those who aspire to work in the legal profession and fitting for students planning careers in medicine. And finally, as the quintessential interdisciplinary course of study, philosophy is a wonderful second-major and compliments the course of study in the physical and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
Philosophy B.A./B.S.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the philosophy major must take a minimum of 56 credits in philosophy courses (8 credits of which must be taken in residence at PSU). Specific requirements are as follows:
Required Courses (20 credits)
Philosophy Electives (36 credits)
16 of the 36 elective credits must be completed at the 400-level.
BSt 378 and NAS 351U may count towards the 36 credits of philosophy electives.
Total Credit Hours: 56
A maximum of 4 credits of philosophy taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) are acceptable toward fulfilling department major requirements.