Apr 11, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Catalog

Philosophy and Women’s and Ethnic Studies Double Major


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Philosophy is the systematic and critical inquiry into thinking and the nature of existence. As a practice, philosophy teaches analytical and critical thinking, develops oral and written communication skills, and contributes to interdisciplinary understanding. Philosophy attempts to answer perennial questions about values, human existence, and the nature of reality. Skills developed in this inquiry help philosophy students excel in careers in law, medicine, management, education, government, writing, computer science, psychology, sociology, and ministry among many others.

Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) cultivate future leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers prepared to solve today’s problems. Through an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach our programs build community and invite students to challenge assumptions and find joy in learning. Courses, content, and programming center the histories, experiences, and cultural expressions of women and racial or ethnic groups not only in the United States but also across the world. Through respectful, open-minded dialogue, we explore the connections among race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and power. WEST equips students with a wide range of skills to enter a diverse workforce, including oral and written communication, research experience, teamwork, and more. WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, travel courses, and a range of scholarship opportunities.

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and Women’s and Ethnic Studies requires the following:

  • A minimum of 30 credit hours of PHIL course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
  • A minimum of 30 credit hours of WEST course work. At least 18 of those hours must be upper division.
  • A grade of C or better in courses applied to the major.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all PHIL and WEST course work.

Additional course work is required to complete the Philosophy and Women’s and Ethnic Studies, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.

Philosophy Major Course Requirements


Logic Course (3 credit hours)


Complete one of the following courses:

Philosophy Electives (27 credit hours)


Complete 27 credit hours of Philosophy electives to meet total and upper-division hours for the major. At least 21 hours of upper-division (3000+ level) PHIL courses must be completed for the major.

WEST Double Major Course Requirements


Substantive Area Courses (9 credit hours)


Complete one course from each of the following WEST Substantive Areas:

Transnational/Global Studies

Creative and Artistic Expression

Social Movements, Communities, and History  

      

WEST Electives (15 credit hours)


Complete 15 hours of UNUSED WEST courses to fulfill total and upper-division (3000+ level) hour requirements for the major.

Double Major Summit Options


Complete either the Philosophy Senior Thesis OR one of the WEST Capstone/Summit Experience options. The Summit course(s) will count toward upper-division elective hours for the major in which it is taken.

Philosophy Senior Thesis


Complete the following course if choosing PHIL for the Summit course:

WEST Capstone/Summit Experience


WEST offers both a Standard and Honors Track Capstone/Summit Experience. Complete one of the following Tracks if choosing WEST for the Summit Experience.

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