Degree Requirements
Our Philosophy program offers three program options for a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy:
A Major, a Minor, and an Area of Concentration in Philosophy
We've recently updated and streamlined the requirements for our major.
*As always at the University of Guelph, students have the choice of graduating under the new requirements or those that were in effect when they entered the University.
Program requirements
Major (Honours Program)
8.50 Philosophy credits are required, as follows:
PHIL*4820 [0.50] Philosophy Research Presentation
One of:
- PHIL*2100 [0.50] Critical Thinking
- PHIL*2110 [0.50] Formal Logic
One of:
- PHIL*2120 [0.50] Ethics
- PHIL*2280 [0.50] Key Concepts in Political Philosophy
One of:
- PHIL*2140: Ancient Greek Philosophy
- PHIL*2160: Early Modern Philosophy: Reason vs. Experience
One of:
- PHIL*2180 [0.50] Philosophy of Science
- PHIL*2240 [0.50] Knowledge and Belief
- PHIL*2370 [0.50] Metaphysics and Mind
1.50 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher
1.00 credits in Philosophy at the 4000 level or higher
3.50 credits in Philosophy electives (students may only counte 1.00 credits at the 1000-level towards this requirement)
Our majors have the unique opportunity to take our fourth-year capstone course, Philosophy Research Presentation:
Philosophy Research Presentation (PHIL 4820)
This capstone course, offered strictly to our Majors, allows students to prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a philosophical issue of their own choosing. This course provides an opportunity for students to present their unique point of view and chosen area of research interest. The focus of this course is on mastering the oral presentation of a philosophical argument, as well as engaging in respectful, intellectually honest discussion with one’s audience. Over the course of the semester students will develop and present a philosophical argument, working independently, in-class, and one-on-one with the instructor. By the end of the semester students will be ready to present their work at an end-of-semester conference!
Minor (Honours Program)
5.00 Philosophy credits are required, as follows:
PHIL*2240 [0.50] Knowledge and Belief
PHIL*2370 [0.50] Metaphysics and Mindone of:
- PHIL*2120 [0.50] Ethics
- PHIL*2280 [0.50] Key Concepts in Political Philosophy
one of:
- PHIL*2100 [0.50] Critical Thinking
- PHIL*2110 [0.50] Formal Logic
1.00 credits in Philosophy (Note: Students may only count .50 credits at the 1000 level towards this requirement.)
2.00 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher
Area of Concentration (General Program)
5.00 Philosophy credits are required, as follows:
PHIL*2240 [0.50] Knowledge and Belief
PHIL*2370 [0.50] Metaphysics and Mindone of:
- PHIL*2120 [0.50] Ethics
- PHIL*2280 [0.50] Key Concepts in Political Philosophy
one of:
- PHIL*2100 [0.50] Critical Thinking
- PHIL*2110 [0.50] Formal Logic
1.50 credits in Philosophy (Note: Students may only count .50 credits at the 1000 level towards this requirement.)
1.50 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher
If you have any questions about our programs please contact our Faculty Advisor, Stefan Linquist.