Here is a schedule for completing the philosophy major (27 credits or 9 courses) easily within 4 years. With just a single course per semester at first, and NEVER more than two, the pace set out here should work especially well for those doing a Double Major. You could easily finish the major more quickly by doing more courses each year But in such cases, we advise that you consider a similar ordering of classes.

Those who are particularly focussed on Cognitive Studies or Ethics, Political and Legal Philosophy, might consider one our Major Tracks instead, where they requirements are somewhat different.

These are just guidelines. There is always room for doing things your own way (though it's best to seek advice from your major advisor in such situations).

The guidelines are directed at someone who starts philosophy in their first year. Students beginning later will need to make the relevant adjustments.

For a first philosophy class, you may find it more enjoyable to just pick a class (300-level or below) that gets your interest rather than going for our 100-level offerings.

Take two of the following courses (you may take more of course)

PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 102 Philosophies of the Self

PHIL 103 Ethics (Satisifies Ethics requirement)

PHIL 121 Elementary Symbolic Logic (Satisfies Logic requirement)

As mentioned above, other courses at the 200 or 300 level may also be appropriate, and you may wish to pick a topic that grabs your interest than a more general 100-level class. (If you take more than 6 credits, we positively advise moving beyond the 100-level).

BUT: PHIL 103 Ethics and PHIL 121 Elementary Symbolic Logic are both excellent courses to take in your first two semesters doing philosophy.

Second Year (6 credits min.)

If you have not done so already, cover the history of philosophy requirements, preferably by following the sequence:

PHIL 201 History of Ancient Philosophy

PHIL 202 History of Modern Philosophy

Try to have the Logic and Ethics requirement covered by the end of this year! If your schedule permits, take one or more 300-level classes.

Finish off ALL requirements (except the electives) by the end of first semester Junior Year. From then on it is electives all the way!

You must make sure at least TWO are at the 600-level.

You should probably not try to take too many 600-level classes at first (indeed, there may be prerequisites that prevent this).

Ask about the frequency of the classes that are offered, before making a choice in any given semester.