Philosophy

What Is Philosophy ?

Philosophy deals with basic questions, such as: What is knowledge? What makes something morally wrong? What is the mind? What is art? Some courses deal with the history of thought about such questions. Other courses deal with contemporary discussions of these questions. In addition, philosophy deals with a variety of questions that arise in the context of contemporary science and morality, such as: What is evolution? Can computers think? May doctors assist in suicide? Courses dealing with these sorts of questions are often interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on such subjects as biology, psychology and medicine.

Success Factors

The best reason to study philosophy is simply because it is interesting. However, in addition to satisfying a need to know, philosophy offers a number of additional benefits. Students who study philosophy learn to think deeply and carefully about complex issues. They learn to construct precise arguments in defense of their ideas. They learn to write well. Because most of our courses are small (especially at the 300-level and above), students receive close personal attention to better help them develop these important skills.

Career Possibilities

• Professor
• Attorney
• Medical doctor
• Journalist
• Entrepreneur
• Researcher

Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's Web site. 

Major Details

As a philosophy major at the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), you learn how to read texts closely and how to write clearly. You also develop keen analytic and critical skills. Admission into the program is based on admission into the college and success in the first year of course work. To graduate with a major in philosophy, students must be admitted to A&S, declare a philosophy major and meet the following requirements:

Philosophy majors must complete a total of at least 54 credits in courses from the philosophy department (18 courses) and in so doing must meet the requirements listed below:

• Philosophy majors must take Philosophy 104, 105 and 106. This is a year-long sequence surveying the major issues in philosophy.
• Philosophy majors must take a course in symbolic logic, either 341 or 123. Both are introductory courses, but 341 is more intensive. Philosophy majors are encouraged to take 341. Students who take 341 will then be prepared to take 342 (but 342 is not required).
• Philosophy majors must take at least 30 credits (10 courses) at the 300-level or above from the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. Majors are required to take at least one course at the 500-level in the senior year as a capstone. Philosophy 341 may not be counted as satisfying both the logic requirement and the 300-level requirement.
• Philosophy majors must take an additional 12 credits (four courses) of philosophy course work.

McMicken College's flexible degree requirements allow for and highly encourage students to pursue multiple areas of study. Free electives allow for enough credits for students to pursue a minor, certificate program or even complete a second major. Some of the most common pairings are listed below.

• History
• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• English
• Political Science

Minor Details

To receive a minor in philosophy, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• A total of at least 30 credits in philosophy (10 courses).
• Philosophy 104, 105, and 106.
• A course in logic, either 123 or 341. See comments above.
• Fifteen credits (five courses) at the 300-level or above.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Students considering majoring in philosophy are encouraged to consult with the director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Philosophy as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment, please either call or send email to Prof. Christopher Gauker.  Phone: 513-556-6333.  Email: christopher.gauker@uc.edu

Special Opportunities

Students in McMicken College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

The department sponsors a vibrant speaker series and an annual colloquium featuring multiple speakers addressing a single theme. The Philosophy Club is currently in the process of seeking affiliation with Phi Sigma Tau, the National Honor Society for Philosophy. The UC Philosophy of the Sciences Reading Group meets about once a month to read and discuss a current paper, book, etc., in some area of the philosophy of science.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA. Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Additional college-prep subjects (3 units)

*UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

A&S students must meet the college residency requirement of 45.0 hours which begins immediately upon matriculation in the college and consists of courses taught within A&S.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 180 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 180.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 45 credits after matriculating into the college. These minimum 45 credits must be taught within McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (15), and also must be completed after gaining admission to the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to the UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).