Program Contact:  Jennifer Sacco   203-582-8972

Philosophy is an ancient project, but one that continues to evolve as humans respond ethically to challenges in the coming century: peace, environmental sustainability, globalization, technology, the needs for health and security, and the yearning for love and justice. The philosophy major is structured to equip students with the conceptual tools and techniques of inquiry necessary to arrive at thoughtful responses to the world’s challenges through their knowledge of different eras, themes and figures in the history of philosophy, both inside and outside the Western tradition.

Students learn to reflect critically, ethically and holistically on the significance of these tools and techniques to their own lives and to the world they are about to inherit. Students develop analytical and research skills in philosophical inquiry as they explore the history of philosophy and the current status of the main problems in epistemology, metaphysics and ethics.

Students who major in philosophy develop competence in reasoning techniques, and will appraise the validity (and invalidity) of arguments, expose hidden assumptions, recognize fallacies and make a precise and coherent case in support of their own views. Philosophy graduates will be skilled in combining and synthesizing information from a wide range of sources, and in reflecting on their own thinking and experience. Students complete the major with a senior seminar in which they isolate and define a specific philosophical question that they explore in a senior thesis.

Students must complete the curriculum listed below and must obtain a minimum grade of C in all philosophy courses. No more than 6 credits of independent study (PL 299, PL 399) may count toward completion of the major. Students majoring in philosophy must meet the following requirements:

University Curriculum 146
Modern Language Requirement3-6
Philosophy Core Requirements
PL 101Introduction to Philosophy3
PL 102Introduction to Ethics3
PL 103Logical Reasoning3
PL 242Ancient Philosophy3
PL 243Modern Philosophy3
PL 401Senior Seminar3
Electives
18 Credits in Philosophy or Cognate Courses18
Cognate courses: 2
Artificial Intelligence
The Age of Pericles
Political Theory
American Political Thought
Democratic Theory and Practice
Sociological Theory
Free Electives29-32
Total Credits114-120
1

All students must complete the University Curriculum requirements.

2

In addition to philosophy courses, a student may count up to two of the cognate courses toward completion of the philosophy major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the major traditions, themes and figures in metaphysics, epistemology and ethics across global history and as they emerge in specific cultures, regions or nations of the world.
  2. Reflection: Ability to reflect critically, ethically and holistically on human problems affecting their lives (e.g., peace, environmental sustainability, globalization, technology, health, death, social and political justice), and to isolate and define specific philosophical questions for further inquiry.
  3. Critical Thinking: Ability to use inquiry and critical thinking techniques for detecting fallacies and for appraising the validity of arguments. 
  4. Synthesis: Skills of creatively synthesizing new ideas, based on knowledge from a diverse range of historical, regional and cultural perspectives.
  5. Communication: Ability to communicate effectively one’s own views and judgments in precise, reasoned, coherent and persuasive writing and speaking.

Admission Requirements: College of Arts and Sciences

The requirements for admission into the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University.

Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.

For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.

Shown below is one of many possible paths through the curriculum. Each student's individual academic plan is crafted in consultation with their academic adviser.

First Year
Milestones: Earn 30 credits, meet with your adviser at least once a semester and have a GPA of 2.00 or higher.
Fall Semester
PL 101Introduction to Philosophy3
PL 103Logical Reasoning3
EN 101Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing3
FYS 101First-Year Seminar3
University Curriculum course3
Spring Semester
PL 102Introduction to Ethics3
EN 102Academic Writing and Research3
Math course. Satisfies UC Foundations Inquiry.3
University Curriculum course4
University Curriculum course3
Second Year
Milestones: Earn 60 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester to discuss academic, experiential learning, career and co-curricular opportunities.
Fall Semester
PL Elective at 200 level3
PL Elective3
Language at the 101-level3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
PL Elective at 200 level3
PL Elective3
Language at the 102 level (Satisfies CAS Language Requirement)3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Third Year
Milestones: Earn 90 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Meet with your adviser at least once per semester. Participate in study abroad, complete internship or research opportunities.
Fall Semester
PL 242Ancient Philosophy3
PL Elective3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
PL 243Modern Philosophy3
University Curriculum course3
University Curriculum course3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Fourth Year
Milestones: Earn 120 credits and a GPA of 2.00 or higher. Complete possible minor or double major and prepare for graduation.
Fall Semester
PL Elective 3
CAS 420CAS Integrative Capstone3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Spring Semester
PL 401Senior Seminar3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Open Elective2
Total Credits120