University Catalog

Overview

A major in philosophy is built on the central texts in the history of Western thought. Philosophy focuses on the perennial problems raised by the encounter of human beings with their history, culture, and the world. It emphasizes methods of analysis and clarity of argumentation. Students who major in philosophy have the broadest possible preparation in the liberal arts.

Students who complete a major in philosophy are prepared to enter either graduate programs or the world of work. In addition to providing vocational skills and a solid foundation for graduate work in the discipline, a major in philosophy constitutes appropriate and strong preparation for graduate work in other academic disciplines as well as in professional programs in a broad variety of fields. The Department of Philosophy and Humanities is prepared to work with students who are interested in postgraduate professional education to assure that their preparation meets disciplinary and/or professional criteria and expectations in areas including law, business administration, and theology. The faculty of the Department of Philosophy and Humanities also work with advisors in the Health Professions Advising Office of the College of Science to ensure that philosophy majors pursuing a pre-medical curriculum are kept abreast of required and recommended courses outside the major.

Requirements for Admission to a Major in Philosophy

Students should have completed 30 hours of core with 30 hours at UT Arlington, or 40 hours of core with 12 hours at UT Arlington with an overall GPA greater than 2.0. Before being accepted into the major in philosophy, students must also have passed a course in symbolic logic (PHIL 2311 LOGIC or the equivalent). Students may be accepted as pre-philosophy majors if the above standards are not met.

Requirements for a Minor in Philosophy

A minor in philosophy requires 18 semester hours, at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level.

Requirements for a Minor in Classical Studies

A minor in classical studies requires at least 18 semester hours, at least six of which must be 3000/4000 level, in approved classical studies courses. There are four options for the classical studies minor:  Greek Language, Latin Language, Classical Civilization, and Ancient Studies. 

Requirements for the Certificate in Ethics

The certificate in ethics requires at least 15 semester hours in approved ethics courses.

Requirements for the Certificate in Medical Humanities

The certificate in medical humanities requires at least 12 semester hours in approved courses.

Undergraduate Advising

All philosophy majors are directed in their program by a designated undergraduate advisor. In addition, the following special advisors are available:

Graduate Work in Philosophy: Majors who are interested in graduate work in philosophy should consult the departmental graduate advisor during their junior year.

Pre-Law: Majors who intend to apply to law school will find courses in logic, philosophy of law, political philosophy, and ethics particularly useful. Interested students should consult the Philosophy/Pre-law faculty advisor for assistance in course selection and application procedures.

Philosophy/Business Administration Minor: It is possible to combine the philosophy major with a business administration minor in preparation for admission to the UT Arlington MBA program. (See Liberal Arts Major/Business Administration Minor section in the introduction of the College of Liberal Arts.) The Philosophy/Business Administration faculty advisor will assist students in coordinating their program and meeting admissions requirements either at UT Arlington or other schools.

Pre-Theological: Majors who plan to enter a school of theology should consider a minor in classics and foreign language preparation in Greek and/or Latin. Electives in ethics and philosophy of religion are particularly recommended. Interested students should consult the Philosophy/Pre-ministerial faculty advisor for additional assistance.

Pre-Medical: A departmental faculty advisor is available to assist majors who intend to apply to medical school. The major program will be coordinated with the Health Professions Advising Office of the College of Science.

Oral Communication Competency

Students majoring in philosophy may demonstrate competency in oral communication by

1. successful completion of a specific course approved by the Department of Philosophy and Humanities for this purpose, or
2. successful completion of any course from among those approved by the Undergraduate Assembly.

Computer Use Competency

Students majoring in philosophy may demonstrate competency in computer use by

1. successful completion of PHIL 3307 SEMINAR IN RESEARCH METHODS AND PHILOSOPHICAL WRITING, or
2. successful completion of any course from among those approved by the Undergraduate Assembly for this purpose, or
3. passing the University proficiency examination in computer use.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (Pre-Professional Track)

 Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (General Track)

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (Pre-Law Option)

Students interested in the Pre-Law Option must complete the requirements for the Pre-Professional Track degree in philosophy, while selecting their elective course work in consultation with the Philosophy/Pre-Law faculty advisor. Recommended philosophy courses for the Pre-Law Option include

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (Mind, Language, and Cognition Option)

Students interested in the Mind, Language, and Cognition (MLC) Option must complete the requirements for the General Track degree in philosophy, with a minor in linguistics, and psychology as their area of secondary emphasis for elective course work. Although specific major, minor, and elective courses should be selected in consultation with the MLC advisor in philosophy, typical courses include

(Students who intend to apply to graduate school may elect to complete the requirements for the Pre-Professional Track degree in philosophy, with the minor in linguistics and elective course work in psychology.)

Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy (Philosophy and Classics Option)

Students interested in the Philosophy and Classics Option typically complete the requirements for the General Track degree in Philosophy, with a minor in Classical Studies, and are required to fulfill their language requirement with Greek; with advisors' approval, students may choose to substitute Latin, French or German. Specific major, minor and elective courses should be selected in consultation with the philosophy undergraduate advisor and the director of Classical Studies. (Students who intend to apply to graduate school may elect to complete the requirements for the Pre-Professional Track degree in Philosophy, with the minor in Classical Studies, and the language hours in Greek.)

Minor in Philosophy

18 hours, at least six of which must be  3000/4000 level.

Minor in Classical Studies

18 hours, at least six of which must be  3000/4000 level.  There are four options for the classical studies minor:  Greek Language, Latin Language, Classical Civilization, and Ancient Studies.  Interested students must consult with the advisor to determine which courses are required for each option.  Typical courses include:

Certificate in Ethics

Certificate in Medical Humanities

To receive the certificate, a student must complete HUMA 3300 and three courses from the following list. Students can count toward the certificate no more than two courses from a single department. At least three courses must be from the College of Liberal Arts.