The Major
Requirements
Students majoring in philosophy are required to complete a minimum of 10 courses offered by the department, including at least seven upper-division courses (300 or above). With the exception of courses taken during periods in which all restrictions on pass/fail courses were removed, only courses numbered 501 or above may be taken pass/fail to count for the major. At least 6 of the 10 courses must be taken at UMass Amherst or the Five Colleges.
Philosophy majors must take courses in the following areas:
1. One course in logic; for example:
- 110 Introduction to Logic
- 310 Intermediate Logic
2. One course in value theory; for example:
- 160 Introduction to Ethics
- 163 Business Ethics
- 164 Medical Ethics
- 170 Problems in Social Thought
- 180 Death and the Meaning of Life
- 343 Philosophy of Art
3. One course in History (A); for example:
- 320 History of Ancient Philosophy
- 328 Plato and Aristotle
- 329 Medieval Philosophy
4. One course in History (B); for example:
- 321 History of Modern Philosophy
- 330 Continental Rationalism
- 331 British Empiricism
5. Two courses in metaphysics and epistemology; for example:
- 341 Introduction to Metaphysics
- 342 Introduction to Epistemology
- 346 Introduction to Philosophy of Language
- 353 Introduction to Philosophy of Science
- 355 Introduction to Philosophy of Mind
- 383 Introduction to Philosophy of Religion
For the Departmental Honors Program
Students must, in addition to meeting these major requirements, maintain a high grade point average, and write an honors thesis. For details, consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
For further information, contact a departmental advisor:
Vanessa de Harven, Undergraduate Program Director
South College E425
vdeharven@umass.edu
Department website: www.umass.edu/philosophy