Requirements for the Minor in Philosophy

  • Philosophy is the study of fundamental and general issues concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Coming from the Greek word meaning "love of wisdom," it uses critical thinking and rational argument rather than strict empirical testing to make sense of the world and life.
Requirements for the Minor in Philosophy

The Philosophy Minor at MSU Texas is designed to complement and strengthen each student’s major field of study. For this reason, the Minor balances basic program requirements with an adaptability to student interest.

Students who declare a Minor in Philosophy are required to complete 18 credit hours of philosophy coursework. At least 6 of these credit hours must be at the upper level. The following outline provides a map toward the completion of the Philosophy Minor.

History of Philosophy: 6 Credit Hours

All minors are required to take both of the following two courses. Courses taken at one level cannot be repeated at the other level. Students are not required to take these two courses consecutively; one course is not a prerequisite for the other.

  • PHIL-2503 or PHIL-4503: Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
  • PHIL-2513 or PHIL-4513: Modern and Contemporary Philosophy
Additional Courses: 9 Credit Hours

All minors are required to take any two courses from the following list. Courses taken at one level cannot be repeated at the other level.

  • PHIL-2103: Health Care Ethics
  • PHIL-1033: Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHIL-1533: Critical Thinking and Reasoning Skills
  • PHIL-2033: Ethics
  • PHIL-3533: Special Topics in Philosophy*
  • PHIL-2311 or PHIL-4133: Political Philosophy
  • PHIL-2213 or PHIL-4213: Asian Philosophy & Religion
  • PHIL-2333 or PHIL-4333: Philosophy of Religion
  • PHIL-4993: Independent Study in Philosophy**

*Students can take PHIL-3533 twice if the course topic changes.

**Instructor permission is required before a student can enroll in an Independent Study.