Program Overview

Philosophy, B.A.

The Philosophy, B.A. program focuses on the most fundamental questions that human beings can ask, such as the nature of the human mind, the existence of God, and what actions are morally good. Philosophy majors produce answers to these questions based on careful rational argument, guaranteeing the development of improved analytical skills. This explains why undergraduate philosophy majors consistently score the highest on graduate school standardized tests, such as the LSAT and GRE.

Overview of the Program

The program is available in both traditional and online formats. It provides a strong preparation for law school through courses in logic, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of law. These courses cover a broad range of skills and knowledge that are of fundamental importance in the field of law.

Philosophy Course Groups

The following course groups are available:

• Ethics and Theory
  • PHI 119: Introduction to Ethics
  • PHI 121: Contemporary Moral Problems
  • PHI 220: Medical Ethics
  • PHI 321: Ethical Theory
  • PHI 322: Philosophy of the Arts
  • PHI 331: Social and Political Philosophy
  • PHI 335: Philosophy of Law
• Logic Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
  • PHI 115: Critical Thinking
  • PHI 310: Introduction to Formal Logic
  • PHI 319: Knowledge, Truth, and Belief
  • PHI 325: Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
  • PHI 424: Philosophy of Social and Behavioral Science
  • PHI 426: Philosophy of Physical Science
  • PHI 474: Advanced Logic
• History of Philosophy
  • PHI 341: History of Ancient Philosophy
  • PHI 342: History of Modern Philosophy
  • PHI 351: Major Philosophers
• Metaphysics
  • PHI 359: Philosophy of Religion
  • PHI 357: Metaphysics

Overall Requirements

The program requires:

• 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level
• A minimum of 27 credits in philosophy courses, including at least 21 credits at the 300 level or above

Degree Program Requirements

The degree program requirements include:

• University Requirements
• General Education Requirements (MAC)
• College of Arts and Sciences Additional Requirements (CIC)

Major Requirements

The major requirements include:

• Required courses:
  • PHI 310: Introduction to Formal Logic
  • PHI 341: History of Ancient Philosophy
  • PHI 342: History of Modern Philosophy
  • PHI 494: Senior Capstone Course
• Optional Concentration: Prelaw

Electives

Electives sufficient to complete the 120 credit hours required for the degree.

Prelaw Concentration Requirements

The Prelaw concentration requirements include:

• Required courses:
  • PHI 335: Philosophy of Law
  • Select one from the following:
    • PHI 319: Knowledge, Truth, and Belief
    • PHI 325: Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
  • Select one from the following:
    • PHI 321: Ethical Theory
    • PHI 331: Social and Political Philosophy
    • PHI 336: Philosophy of Crime and Punishment
    • BLS 362: Vice, Crime, and American Law

Disciplinary Honors in Philosophy

The requirements for Disciplinary Honors in Philosophy include:

• A minimum of 12 credit hours as defined below
• UNC Greensboro cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better or, for transfer students, cumulative GPA of 3.30 or better from all prior institutions
• Required courses:
  • HSS 490: Senior Honors Project
  • 6 credits of Honors course work in the major
  • 3 credits of Honors course work in the major or another area

Recognition

Students who complete the Disciplinary Honors in Philosophy will receive a Certificate of Disciplinary Honors in Philosophy, have the accomplishment noted on the official transcript, and be recognized at a banquet held at the end of the spring semester.