Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2014-2015 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Philosophy, B.S. Major in


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This program exposes the student to central concepts and values in the philosophical tradition and provides specialization in an area of philosophy that complements the student’s core competence in a professional, technical or scientific area.

The B.S. in philosophy enhances professional, technical or scientific areas of understanding and prepares students, no matter their career path, to engage complex problems reflectively and develop the communication and analytical skills required to address ethical issues in a global world. Students develop core skills in logical and critical reasoning; in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating complex information with rigor and clarity; in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing; and in understanding and working with diverse perspectives. The major both complements and supports students’ scientific, professional and technical education. In addition, it also gives students a competitive edge for further graduate and professional education.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 124, with at least 62 in liberal arts and sciences


Major Requirements - Semester Hours: 48


  1. A minimum of 30 s.h. in philosophy as follows: 18 s.h. philosophy core requirements and 12 s.h. in a specialized area of philosophy that complements B (see below).
  2. A minimum of 18 s.h. in a professional, scientific or technical core competence area.

No one philosophy course may satisfy two or more requirements within the major. Thus, for example, if a student takes PHI 014  to satisfy part of the Philosophy Core Requirements, that course cannot also satisfy a requirement in the Philosophy Applied Ethics specialization.

Philosophy Core Requirements - Semester Hours: 18


Choose one course from the following - Semester Hours: 3

Choose one course from the following - Semester Hours: 3

Choose one course from the following - Semester Hours: 3

Philosophy Area of Specialization - Semester Hours: 12


Choose one of the following areas of specialization in philosophy:

Philosophy Specialization in Applied Ethics

Philosophy Specialization in Philosophy of Mind/Cognitive Science

Philosophy Specialization in Society and Politics

Philosophy Specialization in Science and Technology

Choose one course from the following - Semester Hours: 3

Choose one course from the following - Semester Hours: 3

Philosophy Specialization in Systematic and Historical Philosophy

Professional, Scientific or Technical Core Competence - Semester Hours: 18


A student must complete a series of courses designed to provide knowledge in a professional, scientific, or technical area outside of philosophy, which complements the student’s studies within philosophy. Such a professional, scientific or technical core will consist of at least 18 semester hours and can be satisfied in one of the following ways:

Completion of:

  • A minor in an area outside of philosophy.

  • An individually designed professional, scientific or technical core, subject to the approval of the student’s philosophy adviser who will consult with the appropriate other department(s). Examples of an individually designed core might be pre-medical studies, pre-law studies, or other professional areas.

  • A second major outside of philosophy, 18 semester hours of which will count toward the B.S. in philosophy.


See Also: Complete B.S. Requirements


Complete B.S. Requirements  in Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

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