Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

How to Explore / Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

Suggested, but not required: PHIL 100, 110, 160, 161, 164.

How to Declare the Major

We encourage students to take two 100-level philosophy courses from the above list before they declare the major. See the departmental advisor early and often.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Mimimum total # of credits required: 31 (10 courses)

  • One course in Logic
  • One course in Value Theory
  • One course in History of Philosophy (Ancient)
  • One course in History of Philosophy (Modern)
  • Two courses in Metaphysics and Epistemology
  • Four Philosophy electives.
  • Philosophy 400 (Junior Year Writing; counts as an elective)
  • Philosophy 500 (Integrative Experience; counts as an elective)

For a list of which courses satisfy the above-listed requirements, students should consult the Philosophy Department website page at www.umass.edu/philosophy/majoring-philosophy.

Is there a minor? If so what are the requirements?
Yes. Take five Philosophy courses, three of which are at the 300-level or higher.

For further information, contact a departmental advisor:
Gary Hardegree
South College E317
545-5788
gmh@philos.umass.edu

Kevin Klement
South College E319
545-5788
klement@philos.umass.edu

Vanessa de Harven
South College E309
545-5788
vdeharven@philos.umass.edu

Department website: www.umass.edu/philosophy