Philosophy, BA BA
The study of Philosophy can be challenging because it asks students to critically examine very fundamental questions about what it means to be human - behavior, values, ethics, logic, aesthetics. Some describe it as "thinking in slow motion" because of the way it explores in depth the human experience.
Students choose philosophy because it instills a lifelong love and quest for knowledge, it imparts a disciplined and systematic way of thinking, and it enhances critical and analytical capacities. Most graduates of philosophy describe the great personal reward that comes from exploring the great thinkers of the past in the context of modern issues. But, they also passionately value the career skills that they developed - how to read and comprehend difficult text; how to understand different interpretations of information and assess opposing viewpoints; how to craft a clear and logical position on an issue in writing and orally; and how to make connections between smaller, seemingly disparate details and the big picture.
By mid-career, philosophy majors outearn business majors, on average, largely because their knowledge and skills make them excellent leaders in business, nonprofit, law, government work, education, and more.
The undergraduate program is relatively small, resulting in more one-on-one attention from faculty than might be found at another university.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Why Study Philosophy at UWM?
We have an entire web page with the many beneficial reasons to study philosophy including job and salary outcomes.
- Small class sizes
- Personalized faculty advising and mentorship
Listed below are the requirements for the Philosophy major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
Philosophy Major Requirements
At UWM, incoming freshmen interested in studying philosophy are advised to begin with the general introductory course, PHILOS 101, though there are several courses, especially at the 200 level, that are open to students without a background in philosophy. The 300 level includes courses designed to provide more in-depth treatments of traditional philosophical areas. Courses at the 400 level are devoted to the history of philosophy. Courses at the 500 level deal with specific issues and problems.
The College of Letters & Science requires that students complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. Students also must attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, they must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
Students must fulfill the capstone/research requirement in the senior year. It is recommended strongly 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 PHILOS 685. It should be stressed that this is not an additional requirement for graduation as a major. Rather, it is part of the department's ongoing effort to evaluate and improve our major program.
A minimum of 30 credits in philosophy is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHILOS 211 | Elementary Logic 1 | 3 |
| PHILOS 430 | Great Thinkers of the Ancient Period | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| History of Medieval Philosophy | ||
| Great Thinkers of the Modern Period | ||
| Nineteenth-Century Philosophers | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Modern Ethical Theories | ||
| Great Moral Philosophers | ||
| Political Philosophy | ||
| The Philosophy of Law | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Mind and Knowledge | ||
| Buddhist Philosophy | ||
| Metaphysics | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Action, Will, and Freedom | ||
| Select any philosophy course numbered 500 or above (excluding the course you choose to satisfy the capstone requirement) | 3 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits of philosophy electives | 9 | |
| Capstone/Research Requirement | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Seminar in Advanced Topics: | ||
| Senior Capstone Research Seminar: | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
PHILOS 212, or a more advanced course in logic may be substituted for PHILOS 211 with the permission of the department chair.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.