(UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2011)

BA Degree

The requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy are 30 semester hours of philosophy courses, 24 hours of which are advanced (3300-4300). In addition, all students must satisfy the University Core Curriculum requirements. Minors in Philosophy must satisfy the University Core Curriculum Requirements and their respective Major requirements.

30 Hours Required Courses (24 are advanced hours [3000-4000]).

1)PHIL 1304 LOGIC

2) PHIL 2306 Ethics or PHIL 3302 Ethical Theory

3) 3 HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY COURSES
PHIL 3314: Ancient Philosophy (required)
PHIL 3317: Modern Philosophy (required)
PHIL 3335: 20th Century Philosophy (required)
(The student must take Ancient, Modern, AND 20th Century Philosophy)

4) PHIL 4351: Great Philosophers

5) PHIL 4352: Problems in Philosophy Seminar

6) 6 HOURS GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
(1300 – 2300 - 3300 – 4300 level courses)

7) 3 HOURS ADVANCED PHILOSOPHY
(3300 – 4300 level courses)

MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY

18 Hours (12 are advanced hours: 3300-4300)

1) REQUIRED COURSES

PHIL 3314: Ancient Philosophy
PHIL 3317: Modern Philosophy
PHIL 3335: 20th Century Philosophy
PHIL 4351: Great Philosophers
OR

PHIL 4352: Problems in Philosophy Seminar

2) 6 ADDITIONAL HOURS GENERAL PHILOSOPHY
(1300 – 2300 – 3300 – 4300 level courses)

Lorena Chavez lchavez10@utep.edu

Department of Philosophy: 915-747-6617

Overview of the Program

The program focuses on the core strengths of the Department in philosophy of science and ethics  In doing so, the program primarily prepares students for entry into Ph.D. programs in Philosophy and related disciplines. It also meets the ongoing demand for qualified philosophy teachers from area community colleges as well as educating students to teach in universities and secondary schools in Mexico. A Master of Arts degree in Philosophy is also capable of meeting a variety of local and regional demands, serving the needs for advanced intellectual preparation of local secondary school systems, and pre-law preparation.

Requirements for Admission

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution.
2. Submission of official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
3. A writing sample.
4. A statement of purpose.
5. Two letters of recommendation.
6. Optional: a resume or other supporting materials to give a full picture of the applicant’s potential.

Requirements for the Degree:

Students can opt for an MA by thesis or by coursework only. 

THESIS OPTION:

Thirty (30) semester hours consisting of:

1. 24 semester hours of course work plus a 6-hour thesis and an oral examination.

a. Required Courses (12 hours)

Proseminar I: Philosophical Research and Writing

Proseminar II: Science and Ethics

World Historical Philosophers

Basic Philosophic Issues

b. Electives (12 hours)

Electives may include any graduate philosophy courses not being counted as part of the Required Courses. With the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, one graduate level course from outside of the Department of Philosophy may be counted towards the degree requirements. With the guidance of their faculty advisor and the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, students will choose from an array of prescribed electives in order to fashion their particular course of study that will result in the composition of an original M.A. thesis. The choice of courses will be relative to how each student structures their degree plan and could entail taking some of the prescribed electives more than once depending on the instructor and content of the course.

c.Thesis (6 hours)

(1) The thesis option requires the completion of a substantial work of writing in the scholarship of philosophy. The student submits a thesis proposal and the names of a thesis director, Philosophy Department reader, and an outside reader to the Graduate Advisor for approval, and then follows the Graduate School guidelines for preparing and submitting a thesis.

d.Oral Examination

A defense of the thesis before the student’s committee is required.
            In all cases, a majority vote of the committee will determine acceptance or rejection.

 NON-THESIS OPTION (MA BY COURSEWORK ONLY):

Requirements for the degree:

Thirty (30) semester hours consisting of:

1. 30 semester hours of course work.

a. Required Courses (12 hours)

Proseminar I: Philosophical Research and Writing

Proseminar II: Science and Ethics

World Historical Philosophers

Basic Philosophic Issues

b. Electives (18 hours)

Course Information:

Elective