Undergraduate Program
The Shyam Dev Patwardhan Department of Philosophy at the University of Oklahoma offers a B.A. in Philosophy and an undergraduate minor in Philosophy. Our esteemed faculty are knowledgeable in the major branches of philosophy, with particular strengths in logic, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics and philosophy of art, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, Chinese philosophy, and history of ancient and modern philosophy. In addition to formal instruction, the department provides a rich and lively environment with an emphasis on informal interaction between faculty and students. If you would like to know more about undergraduate studies at the OU Philosophy Department feel free to email Adam Green or Jacob Waugh.
Value of a Philosophy Degree
Learn about why you should major in philosophy
Requirements
Find degree checksheets, Gen Ed requirements, and information about themes (suggested course groupings) here
Course Descriptions
Find course descriptions for current, past, and future semesters here
Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl
What is Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl?
Why Philosophy?
Resources for Undergraduates in Philosophy
Here are some resources you may find helpful.
- Resources for Undergraduates - The American Philosophical Association
- List of links under headings "Why Study Philosophy?," "Resources," and "After Graduation"
- Philosophy - Undergraduate Research Journals
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln's annotated list of undergraduate journals accepting submissions, including information on deadlines
- Undergraduate Research Award - University of Oklahoma Libraries
- Information on OU's Undergraduate Research Awards of $1,500, $1,000, and $750, including eligibility and application
- Undergraduate Research - University of Oklahoma
- An overview of the undergraduate research programs through the OU Honors College
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
- The Office of Undergraduate and Creative Activity (UReCA) supports research and creative activity
Structure of the Philosophy Degree
The Philosophy major has a very simple structure—it includes:
- 5 core courses, plus the 1 hour Writing Workshop
- 3 distribution courses—one from each of three broad categories:
- Ethics and Values,
- Knowledge and Reality, and
- Philosophy in Society
- 2 electives (may be lower division).
The distribution courses and electives must include at least one 4000-level class (i.e. beyond the two that are part of the required core). Students who are planning to apply to graduate programs in Philosophy are encouraged to take at least one additional 4000-level class beyond these requirements.
Please note that some required courses, especially at the 4000 level, are offered only once a year. This allows us to maximize the variety of our course offerings. It is important to plan ahead, consult an advisor, and register as soon as your enrollment window opens to ensure that you will have the courses you need for graduation.
