Minor in Philosophy

Philosophy complements technical and professional fields by sharpening the skills employers and graduate programs value most.

With a philosophy minor, you will:

• Organize and analyze complex ideas
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of competing viewpoints
• Communicate arguments clearly in writing and discussion
• Think through ethical questions in professional and public life
• Evaluate arguments for validity and soundness

Students often combine philosophy with majors such as political science, economics, psychology, biology, computer science, engineering and pre-law tracks.

The philosophy minor requires 18 credits in philosophy coursework.

You will begin with introductory courses that build foundations in reasoning, ethics and major philosophical questions. From there, you move into upper-level courses that deepen your understanding of areas such as moral theory, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science or philosophy of mind.

The structure is designed to give you both breadth across the discipline and focused experience in advanced philosophical thinking.

For full and current course requirements, approved courses and academic policies, consult the official catalog.

Upon successful completion of the minor, you will be able to:

• Develop writing skills that clearly communicate arguments and supporting reasons
• Present a position and defend it thoughtfully from critique
• Evaluate and critique arguments in scholarly research and popular media
• Analyze arguments for validity and soundness
• Communicate complex ideas in accessible ways
• Apply ethical and normative reasoning across subject areas
• Understand foundational questions of justice, fairness and moral responsibility
• Use analytical skills that transfer across disciplines and careers

These habits of mind strengthen both academic performance and long-term career readiness.

If you want to strengthen your reasoning, writing and ethical decision-making skills while keeping your major flexible, a philosophy minor is a smart addition. Talk with an advisor about how it can fit into your academic plan.