Typical Degree Plan

The following is an example degree plan, assuming a student plans to study abroad for a semester in the junior year. While the following would be a reasonable plan, Integrations Curriculum college requirements and course schedules make individual planning much more complicated—particularly when philosophy is paired with a second major. CSB/SJU students discuss their plans with a faculty advisor each semester to ensure that they are on track to graduate within four years.

A list of the PHIL requirements appears at the end of the document. All Philosophy courses that are not CSD courses carry the HE designation and either a Thematic Encounter or Thematic Focus designation. The Department’s thematic courses engage the Truth and Justice themes, but we don’t currently offer any Movement courses.

Sample 4-year Course Schedule for 1 Major

This schedule is for a typical student beginning a philosophy major in the fall of the first year with no previous foreign language work.

As you can see, this plan leaves a lot of room for exploration, could be started as late as sophomore year, and could easily accommodate a second major, particularly when you come in with language already begun or completed.

Sample 4-year Course Schedule for 2 Majors*

Again, this assumes no previous language, and study abroad.

*In this plan, Artistic Engagement must be completed on the student’s own, outside of coursework.

Philosophy Major Requirements

The philosophy major is centered around a theme of Public Philosophy and is designed to mesh closely with the Integrations Curriculum. Requirements for those entering in Fall 2020 or later:

• 1 Introductory course (100-level Thematic Encounter)
• 2 Thematic Focus courses (1 Abstract Structures and 1 Human Experience)
• 1 CSD course (either CSD:I or CSD:S)
• 3 300-level courses (Thematic Encounters)
• 2 Electives (these could include: 100 or 300 level Thematic Encounters, an additional CSD course, additional Thematic Focus, or any other philosophy coursework)
• 1 Capstone
• No more than 8 credits at the 100 level may count toward the major without permission of the Department Chair.