Minor in Philosophy

It seems almost too good to be true, but studying philosophy allows you to explore life’s toughest questions while acquiring some of the most desirable traits sought by employers. Here’s why. As a philosophy student you learn skills in critical thinking, written and verbal communication, moral and ethical reasoning and will learn how to analyze and understand arguments better that just about any other major. Because of these traits, more and more employers look for philosophy graduates. Additionally, philosophy graduates promote faster in the workplace.

The minor in philosophy is a low-credit option to add these skills to your portfolio, and a philosophy minor complements almost any other program of study. Requirements for the minor are summarized below.

To learn more about minoring in philosophy, get in touch with our department chair or visit us in CHBS 4202. 

During the period of alternate campus operations for COVID-19, we ask that you schedule an appointment before stopping by the office in person, so we can be sure that the office is staffed to help you. We can also meet via Zoom or phone call to answer any questions.

The Philosophy Minor consists of 15 semester hours of philosophy courses as outlined below:

Foundational Literacy: History of Philosophy
Choose one of the following courses:

• PHIL 216 - History of Philosophy: Ancient to Medieval
• PHIL 217 - Modern Philosophy: Renaissance to the Present

Foundational Literacy: Areas
Choose one of the following courses:

• PHIL 320 - Philosophy of Mind and Metaphysics
• PHIL 375 - Philosophy of Law
• PHIL 385 - Social and Political Philosophy

Electives
Choose one of the following:

• PHIL 111 - Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL 112 - Introduction: Ethics and Society
• PHIL 215 - Healthcare Ethics
• PHIL 218 - Film and Philosophy

Choose one of the following:

• PHIL 330 - Theories of Knowledge
• PHIL 350 - Philosophy of Religion

Additional Course
One additional course at the 200-level or above.

Our philosophy faculty come from diverse backgrounds, have diverse interests, and are internationally recognized in their areas of specialization.

• Dr. Guy Axtell is a widely recognized expert on virtue theory and objectivity.
• Dr. Steven Fesmire is an internationally known scholar of ethics, education, and politics.
• Dr. Gilburt Goffstein is an expert in philosophies of human liberation, focusing on thinkers like Freud, Marx, G. H. Mead, and Habermas.
• Dr. Heather Keith publishes widely on ethics, intellectual disability, and environmental philosophy.  
• Dr. Glen Martin researches and writes extensively on global democracy. 
• Nickolas Montgomery researches game theory and the philosophy of language.
• David Parks specializes in offering introductory courses in philosophy. 
• Katy Shepard is a philosopher and artist, and studies the role of artists in building identity and fostering liberation.  
• Mr. Darrell Shomaker holds expertise in healthcare ethics.
• Michael Zarella specializes in offering courses about the fundamental questions of human existence.