Philosophy Major

Chair: John Carvalho, Ph.D.
Office Location: 108 Saint Augustine Center
Telephone: 610-519-4690
Website

About

The Philosophy department offers interesting courses that help students better understand the world and their place in it. Philosophy courses teach students to analyze difficult texts, to write clearly and precisely, to defend their views with cogent arguments and to take pleasure in the struggle with complex ideas and questions.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (30 credits)

The philosophy major consists of 10 courses and 30 credits.

Double Majors

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of philosophy, the department welcomes and encourages double majors. With the permission of the chair, philosophy majors may count up to two related courses from the second major toward fulfillment of the philosophy major requirements.

Course
Title
Credits
Ancient Philosophy Requirement  +
3
PHI Research Requirement  +
3
PHI Electives for B.A.  +
12
Sub-Total Credits
30

Core Curriculum Requirements (41 credits)

Philosophy Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Core Philosophy - PHI 1000 (3 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
41

Free Elective Requirement (51 credits)

Students with a Philosophy primary major have fifty-one (51) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 30 credits
  • Core Credits: 41 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 51 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Philosophy as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
30

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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