The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy examines how philosophers have answered some of the most enduring questions about human existence, while exploring how those answers continue to inform our thinking in the present. Students gain a deeper understanding of philosophy’s relevance to key contemporary issues—such as global warming, social justice and the defense of human rights, or the relationship between science and religion. Students can use this major as preparation for professions such as law or government service, as a pathway to graduate work, or to complement other interests by taking a double major in philosophy and a related field of study.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete at least 33 credits within the major, earning a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course. At least 21 credits must be at the 300 level or above, including at least 3 credits in PHIL 421 Seminar (Mason Core)/PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core). If a course counts for the requirement in analytic or continental philosophy, and also for the ethics and political philosophy requirement, then both requirements are fulfilled with that course.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses without Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Logic | ||
| PHIL 173 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| or PHIL 376 | Symbolic Logic | |
| History of Philosophy | ||
| PHIL 301 | History of Western Philosophy: Ancient | 3 |
| PHIL 303 | History of Western Philosophy: Modern | 3 |
| Analytic Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Issues in Analytic Philosophy | ||
| American Philosophy: Pragmatism | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Theories of Ethics | ||
| Philosophy of Art 2 | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Theory of Knowledge | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Theories of Decision | ||
| Continental Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Nineteenth-Century Philosophy | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Existentialism | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Phenomenology | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Recent Continental Philosophy | ||
| Hermeneutic Philosophy | ||
| Philosophy of Art | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Business Ethics | ||
| Bioethics (Mason Core) | ||
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
| Philosophy after Auschwitz | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | ||
| Ethical Issues in Global Health | ||
| Theories of Justice | ||
| Theories of Ethics | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Theories of Decision | ||
| Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
When the subject matter is appropriate and with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director, PHIL 391 Special Topics in Philosophy, PHIL 421 Seminar (Mason Core), PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core), or PHIL 425 Independent Study may be used to fulfill this requirement.
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Only with departmental approval.
Electives without Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select five or six electives from any philosophy courses including those listed above that are not used to meet another requirement. 1 | 15-18 | |
| Total Credits | 15-18 | |
- 1
If both the analytic or continental philosophy and the ethics and political philosophy requirements are met with the same course, the student will complete six elective courses.
Optional Concentrations
Students interested in a degree in philosophy with a concentration will complete the coursework for one of the concentrations below.
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Philosophy and Law (PHLW)
- Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Concentration in Philosophy and Law (PHLW)
The concentration in philosophy and law offers philosophy majors the opportunity to focus their study of philosophy in a way that prepares them for the study of the law.
In addition to the specific courses listed below, other relevant courses may be applied to the requirements for this concentration with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Logic | ||
| PHIL 173 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| or PHIL 376 | Symbolic Logic | |
| History of Philosophy | ||
| PHIL 301 | History of Western Philosophy: Ancient | 3 |
| PHIL 303 | History of Western Philosophy: Modern | 3 |
| Analytic Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Issues in Analytic Philosophy | ||
| American Philosophy: Pragmatism | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Theories of Ethics | ||
| Philosophy of Art 2 | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Theory of Knowledge | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Theories of Decision | ||
| Continental Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Nineteenth-Century Philosophy | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Existentialism | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Phenomenology | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Recent Continental Philosophy | ||
| Hermeneutic Philosophy | ||
| Philosophy of Art | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Philosophy and Law | ||
| PHIL 311 | Philosophy of Law | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
| Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Advanced Democratic Theory | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Electives in Philosophy | ||
| Select three electives from any philosophy courses including those listed above that are not used to meet another requirement. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
When the subject matter is appropriate and with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director, PHIL 391 Special Topics in Philosophy, PHIL 421 Seminar (Mason Core), PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core), or PHIL 425 Independent Study may be used to fulfill this requirement.
- 2
Only with departmental approval.
Concentration in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
This is a high credit concentration for students interested in a program that explores the interdisciplinary connections between philosophy, political science, and economics.
Students pursuing this concentration, similar to all students pursuing a BA in philosophy, must complete at least 33 credits in philosophy earning a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course. No course may be used to fulfill more than one requirement. In addition to the specific courses listed below, other relevant courses may be applied to the requirements for this concentration with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.
Required Philosophy Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Logic | ||
| PHIL 173 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| or PHIL 376 | Symbolic Logic | |
| History of Philosophy | ||
| PHIL 301 | History of Western Philosophy: Ancient | 3 |
| PHIL 303 | History of Western Philosophy: Modern | 3 |
| Analytic Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Issues in Analytic Philosophy | ||
| American Philosophy: Pragmatism | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Theories of Ethics | ||
| Philosophy of Art 2 | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Philosophy of the Natural Sciences | ||
| Theory of Knowledge | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Theories of Decision | ||
| Continental Tradition | ||
| Select one course from the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Nineteenth-Century Philosophy | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Existentialism | ||
| Twentieth-Century Continental Thought: Phenomenology | ||
| Philosophy, Race, and Gender 2 | ||
| Recent Continental Philosophy | ||
| Hermeneutic Philosophy | ||
| Philosophy of Art | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
When the subject matter is appropriate and with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director, PHIL 391 Special Topics in Philosophy, PHIL 421 Seminar (Mason Core), PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core), or PHIL 425 Independent Study may be used to fulfill this requirement.
- 2
Only with departmental approval.
Required Concentration Courses
Philosophy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
or GOVT 324 | Modern Western Political Theory | |
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
or GOVT 327 | Contemporary Western Political Theory | |
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Philosophy of Law | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Ethics and Economics | ||
| Culminating | ||
| PHIL 353 | Theories of Justice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Politics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Public Law and the Judicial Process | ||
| Legislative Behavior | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Political Parties and Campaigns | ||
| Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process | ||
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
| Politics of Latin America | ||
| Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | ||
| Politics of Europe | ||
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Constitutional Interpretation | ||
| Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties | ||
| Law and Ethics of War | ||
| Directed Readings and Research | ||
| Culminating | ||
| GOVT 467 | How Washington Really Works | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Economics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | ||
| ECON 103 | Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 104 | Contemporary Macroeconomic Principles (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Intermediate Microeconomics | ||
| Managerial Economics and Strategy | ||
| Economic Problems and Public Policies | ||
| Money and Banking | ||
| Intermediate Macroeconomics | ||
| Economics of Labor | ||
| Public Finance | ||
| Introduction to Econometrics | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Economic History (Mason Core) | ||
| International Economics | ||
| Austrian Economics | ||
| Public Choice | ||
| Game Theory and Economics of Institutions | ||
| Design and Analysis of Experiments | ||
| The Development of Economic Thought | ||
| Smithian Political Economy I (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics in Economics | ||
| Culminating | ||
| ECON 460 | Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. All senior seminars (PHIL 421 Seminar (Mason Core), PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core)) in philosophy are writing intensive. Philosophy majors should consult the undergraduate director for other courses that can be taken to fulfill this requirement.
Upper Level Requirement
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
Philosophy or Religious Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1 | ||
- 1
Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:
- PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
- PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
- PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
- PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
- PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Additionally, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature requirement.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST 2 | ||
| LING | ||
| PSYC | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Or choose from the following GGS courses: | ||
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies | ||
| Political Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Geography of Virginia | ||
- 1
The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences.
- 2
HIST 100 and HIST 125 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1 | ||
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test | ||
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
- 1
Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Non-Western Culture
Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1 | ||
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 300 | Civilizations | 3 |
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 314 | Zombies | 3 |
| ANTH 317 | East Asian Cultures | 3 |
| ANTH 330 | Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 381 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 365 | Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 420 | Survey of Arabic Literature | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 317 | The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 318 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 470 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| DANC 118 | Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 454 | Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 316 | Geography of Latin America | 3 |
| GGS 317 | Geography of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Politics of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Politics of Eurasia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 326 | Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 327 | The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 353 | History of Traditional China | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 377 | The Vietnam War (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 461 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 465 | The Middle East in the 20th Century | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 380 | Japan in Motion | 3 |
| KORE 300 | Korean Culture and Society | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| KORE 385 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 312 | Islam (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 317 | Daoism | 3 |
| RELI 318 | Korean Philosophy and Religions | 3 |
| RELI 338 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 342 | Comparative Study of Mysticism | 3 |
| RELI 344 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 358 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 367 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 368 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| WMST 407 | Transnational Sexualities | 3 |
- 1
A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Honors in the Major
Highly-qualified students may apply to the honors program in the major. Students can apply in their second semester as a junior, before they have completed 90 credits and should have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in the major. Eligible students should submit a brief letter of application, explaining why they wish to graduate with honors; their most up-to-date transcript; one letter of recommendation from a member of the philosophy faculty; and one writing sample, a paper from one of the student’s courses in philosophy.
To receive honors in the major, students must complete 3 credits of PHIL 422 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) and 3 additional credits in any 400-level philosophy course or a philosophy graduate course that can be taken for undergraduate credit. To graduate with honors in philosophy, students must complete these courses with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
Program Outcomes
- Students will be able to produce written work that conforms to the Department’s agreed-upon standards for good writing in philosophy.
- Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with the philosophical tradition and how that tradition is carried on or engaged with in the field today.
-
Students will in their written work show evidence of their capacity for analytical, synthetic and critical thinking.
-
Students will in their written work show awareness of how philosophical thinking illuminates other areas of discourse.
-
Students will be able to demonstrate a capacity to think clearly and deeply about key social, political and/or ethical issues and to make well founded judgments in the relevant areas.
The accelerated master's program listed below specifies the BA in philosophy as a feeder degree for its program. Many other accelerated master's programs are also available for any bachelor's degree at Mason. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.
Philosophy, BA/Philosophy, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Philosophy in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 139 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits and after completing the following:
- 9 upper level credits in philosophy.
- At least two of the following with a grade of B or higher in each: PHIL 301 History of Western Philosophy: Ancient, PHIL 303 History of Western Philosophy: Modern, or PHIL 173 Logic and Critical Thinking
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
600-level PHIL courses, with the exception of PHIL 600 Proseminar in Philosophy and PHIL 693 Directed Readings in Philosophy, with the advice and approval of the department.
Advanced standing courses may fulfill the requirement in the BA in Philosophy for Analytic Tradition, Continental Tradition, or Ethics and Social and Political Philosophy, if content is appropriate and with permission of the department.
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
600-level PHIL courses, with the exception of PHIL 600 Proseminar in Philosophy and PHIL 693 Directed Readings in Philosophy, with the advice and approval of the department
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.