Why study 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.

Career Possibilities

• Professor
• Attorney
• Medical doctor
• Journalist
• Entrepreneur

Minoring in Philosophy

All courses credited toward a minor in philosophy must be courses in the UC College of Arts and Sciences. Exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Students must earn a C or better in all courses counted toward the minor. 

Students minoring in philosophy must complete a total of at least 21 semester credits in courses from the philosophy department (7 courses) and in so doing must meet the following requirements:

• Two introductory courses (6 semester credits) from the following list: Philosophy 1000, 1001,1002, 1003 or 1004
• A logic course, either Philosophy 1011 or Philosophy 2010 (3 credits)
• At least 3 courses (9 credits) at the 3000-level or above
• An additional 1 elective (3 credits) in philosophy

Major Maps

• Guide: Philosophy (BA) Curriculum

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available here.

Students in UC's 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, Tristate 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. Undergraduate majors are expected to attend these events. One of the best ways to experience the thrill of philosophy is to observe professional philosophers debating the issues with one another. Undergraduate students will have opportunities to speak with and ask questions of visiting speakers.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution
• successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC Math Placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 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 Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions)
• successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC Math Placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 or higher

Graduation Requirements

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

• Earn at least 120 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 120.
• 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 30 credits after matriculating into 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

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC 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).

Accreditation