Dec 14, 2024  
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin ARCHIVED

Philosophy, BA


Philosophy (love of wisdom) explores fundamental issues that have intrigued and perplexed human beings for millennia, including the nature of reality, human knowledge and truth, mind and personal identity, and the application of ethical principles to moral problems.

The study of philosophy fosters the ability to think critically, to identify and analyze complex problems, to use higher-order reasoning skills through the consistent application of deductive and inductive logical principles, to comprehend multiple perspectives on a specific topic, to communicate effectively and persuasively, and to formulate solutions and evaluate possible outcomes on a wide range of subjects.

Students of philosophy learn the value of living an examined life, not only by studying the great thinkers of the past, but also by articulating and defending their own carefully formulated ideas.

Religious Studies Concentration

The religious studies track within the BA in philosophy is an interdisciplinary program that integrates the interactions between religion and other spheres of human activity, such as art, music, literature and politics. Philosophy majors with a concentration in religion will gain a deeper understanding of religion as an impulse, a practice and a historical force. Program graduates may pursue careers as an outreach worker, missionary, humanitarian services worker or may pursue careers in ministry.

Degree Requirements

University Core Curriculum Requirements


A. Communication


B. Mathematics


C. Life and Physical Science


D. Language, Philosophy and Culture


E. Creative Arts


F. American History


G. Government/Political Science


H. Social and Behavioral Science


I. Component Area Option


Foundation of Knowledge


Language Proficiency


Complete foreign language proficiency through the SFA 2312 level or sign language through the SFA 2302 level.

Nine hours required.

If foreign language is not selected in I. Component Area Option of the University Core Curriculum, then 12 hours may be required from this area.

Philosophy Major


The Philosophy, Major  will consist of an 18-hour core and one of the following concentrations:

  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies

Minor


Select an academic minor with the guidance of an advisor.  The minor must contain at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours.

General Electives


The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree. University Core Curriculum co-requisite lab hours will be applied to this area of the degree.

Degree Total Hours: 120


Double-dipping Rule


Double-dipping is using the same course to fulfill two different requirements in a degree plan. Normally, students may not double-dip more than six to seven hours across their degree plan. Anything beyond that must be approved by the dean.

Writing Requirement


All students completing a degree program in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts must meet the standards for writing in the discipline set by their major. Students should see their departmental advisor for those standards.

College Advanced Hours


A minimum of 33 hours of advanced coursework (courses numbered 3000-4999) is required.

Grade Requirements


  • A grade of at least C in each first-year English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
  • A C average in work completed in the major field
  • A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (CAPP). Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement


Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25% semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major, which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements also may contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25% of total semester credit hours in-residence.

View HOP policy 02-214.

Texas Success Initiative Program


All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See the TSI information  bulletin page.

Degree Map


The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.

Freshman Year


Fall


Spring


Sophomore Year


Fall


Spring


Junior Year


Spring


Senior Year


Fall


Spring