Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Philosophy (B.A. or B.S.)


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At least seven (7) semester hours of 400-level course work in philosophy is required to complete the major.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Requirements in Department (34)


One course from each of the following two areas (6)


Ethics and political philosophy


Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 12-17)


For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of B.A. foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.

For the B.S. degree
Laboratory science/mathematical/computational skills sequence (12-17)
(See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree”)

TOTAL HOURS FOR A MAJOR IN PHILOSOPHY: B.A., 34-46; B.S., 46-51


General Education Requirements (12-30)


In addition to completing the above major requirements students must complete the remaining general education requirements. If major requirements fulfill any of the general education requirements, they are listed below and subtracted from the general education credit requirements.

Foundational Studies (0-12)


Writing Requirement (0-6)
Oral Communication Requirement (0-3)
Quantitative Literacy Requirements (0-3)

For additional information about these requirements, please visit Foundational Studies .

Knowledge Domain Requirements (12-18)


Creativity and Critical Analysis  (6)

Nature and Technology (3)

  • One 3-credit courses selected from approved general education list.  Nature and Technology Course List  
  • PHIL 205 - fulfills one course requirement in this domain.

Society and Culture (6)

Knowledge Domain Elective (3)

  • One additional 3-credit course from any Knowledge Domain.

Up to 6 credits from selected courses in PHIL may be used to satisfy Knowledge Domain Requirements.

Graduation Requirements (0-3)


In addition to completing the above major requirements students must complete the remaining graduation requirements. If major requirements fulfill any of the graduation requirements, they are listed below and subtracted from the graduation requirements credits.

Human Diversity Requirement (0-3)

  • One course from the approved Human Diversity course list; may be fulfilled by extracurricular activities.  Human Diversity Course List  

Writing Infused (0)

  • Requirements satisfied by PHIL 301 and PHIL 495.

TOTAL HOURS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 12-33


TOTAL HOURS FOR ELECTIVES: B.A., 41-74; B.S., 36-62


TOTAL HOURS FOR A B.A. or B.S. IN PHILOSOPHY: 120


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