UWM   |   Letters and Science   |   Undergraduate Admissions   |   Graduate Admissions

Home

Program Administration

Faculty/Staff

Course Descriptions

Undergraduate Program

Graduate Program
Graduate Placement
Graduate Students

Colloquia

News and Photos

Undergraduate Program in Philosophy

UWM Undergraduate Bulletin

UWM Undergraduate Bulletin
UWM Academic Information
College of Letters and Science Requirements
Philosophy Program
Philosophy Courses Offered

Internal Page Links

Major in Philosophy

Minor in Philosophy

Honors in Philosophy

Undergraduate Scholarship and Award

Major in Philosophy

Students planning to major in philosophy must consult with the department undergraduate advisor at the beginning of their junior year or, if transferring from another major, upon deciding to transfer. When accepted as a major, a student must complete a declaration of major form. To contact the undergraduate advisor, refer to our program administration page.

Requirements:

1. A minimum of 30 credits in philosophy
   
   
2. The following three courses:
   • Philosophy 211 Elementary Logic (3 credits)
     (Philosophy 212, Modern Deductive Logic, or a more advanced course in logic, may be substituted for Philosophy 211 with the permission of the department chair)
   • Philosophy 430 History of Ancient Philosophy (3 credits)
   • Philosophy 432 History of Modern Philosophy (3 credits)
     
     
3. At least one course from each of the following groups:
   • Group A:
     • Philosophy 341 Modern Ethical Theory (3 credits)
     • Philosophy 349 Great Moral Philosophers (3 credits)
     • Philosophy 355 Political Philosophy (3 credits)
   • Group B:
     • Philosophy 303 Theory of Knowledge (3 credits)
     • Philosophy 317 Metaphysics (3 credits)
     • Philosophy 324 Philosophy of Science (3 credits)
     • Philosophy 351 Philosophy of Mind (3 credits)
   • Group C:
     • Any philosophy course (excluding Philos 685) numbered 500 or above and carrying 3 credits.
       
       
4. Philosophy electives of the student's choice to reach a total of 30 credits, at least 15 of which are taken at the 300-level of above in residence at UWM
   
   
5. Capstone Requirement: Philosophy 685 Senior Capstone Research Seminar

Students planning to major in Philosophy should ideally follow the sequencing of courses as such: Philos 101 and/or 200 level metaphysics or epistemology, 200-level ethics or social/political, and 211 logic. Then take 300-level area courses. It is expected that the required courses in the history of philosophy - Philos 430 (History of Ancient Philosophy) and Philos 432 (History of Modern Philosophy) - will be taken as soon as the student decides to major in philosophy (normally during the junior year). Next, take 500-level courses. Finally, take 600-level courses. Students must fulfill the capstone or research requirement in their senior year (Philos 685). It is strongly recommended that students become proficient in at least one related academic discipline.

Each major will be asked to submit a paper for inclusion in a portfolio that is kept in the department. Typically, this will be a paper written for the senior capstone research seminar. It should be stressed that this is not an additional requirement for graduation as a major. Rather, it is a part of our ongoing efforts to evaluate and improve our program.

Minor in Philosophy

Students who plan to major in another discipline but who wish to enhance their studies with a substantial amount of coursework in philosophy may elect to obtain a minor in philosophy.

Requirements:

• Total of 21 credits in philosophy, including:
  • At least one of the following:
    • Philosophy 211 (Elementary Logic)
    • Philosophy 430 (History of Ancient Philosophy)
    • Philosophy 432 (History of Modern Philosophy)
  • At least 12 credits at the 300 level or above

Students wishing to minor in philosophy should consult with the undergraduate advisor (see our program administration page for contact information) in order to complete a Declaration of Minor form.

Honors in Philosophy

Philosophy majors who maintain a 3.5 grade point average in courses in the major may, prior to the beginning of their senior year, apply to the undergraduate program coordinator for special honors work in philosophy. Upon successful completion of that work (which is normally a matter of earning at least an 'A-' in Philosophy 681, our undergraduate/graduate seminar, or in Philosophy 685, the undergraduate senior capstone research seminar) the student will be recommended by the department for graduation with honors in the major.