Philosophy (Minor)


At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

If you have a curious mind, add a philosophy minor to your degree program. Reading comprehension, combined with logical reasoning and writing skills, creates a well-informed citizen and prepares you for the workplace.

Program Description

The minor in philosophy provides students with an understanding of philosophical inquiry and method. The program offers an introduction to central themes both in the history of philosophy and in the current literature. Students in this minor have the opportunity to sharpen their critical reasoning skills while addressing profound questions regarding the nature of:

  • existence
  • knowledge
  • law
  • morality
  • politics
  • science

Program Requirements

The minor in philosophy consists of 18 credit hours, of which at least 12 must be upper-division. At least six upper-division credit hours must be in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
The minor in philosophy is also available to complement the studies of ASU Online students. Certain course selections below are offered as oCourses to accommodate ASU Online students.
Subdisciplinary Electives -- 18 credit hours
Subdisciplinary Elective (6)
Upper Division Subdisciplinary Elective (12)

Available subdisciplines are epistemology, ethics and political philosophy, history of philosophy, logic and metaphysics. Students choose courses from the philosophical subdiscipline lists, with no more than two courses from any single track. Courses in the "other" list cover multiple subdisciplines and students may apply these courses within the minor without limit. Students should consult with an academic advisor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies about a proposed selection of courses before enrolling.
Epistemology
Ethics and Political Philosophy
History of Philosophy
Logic
Metaphysics
Other
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA in philosophy; BA in philosophy (morality, politics and law); BA in philosophy (science, nature and mind)

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.


Career Outlook

Minor programs allow students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors. A minor in philosophy is of benefit in a wide range of careers in fields that value analytical and reasoning skills and strong communication and writing skills. Students often pursue careers in fields such as business, law, politics, medicine and education.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Business Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 35.2%
  • Median Salary*: 103500
  Bright Outlook

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 73150

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 151030

Judicial Law Clerks


  • Growth: 2.3%
  • Median Salary*: 57490

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 64030
  Bright Outlook

Medical and Health Services Managers


  • Growth: 28.4%
  • Median Salary*: 104830
  Bright Outlook

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 48090

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

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