Jun 01, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Philosophy and Public Policy Major (BA)


Program Declaration


At time of admission to the University or by completion of an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form .

Degree Requirements


If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements  for more information.

  

  

Major Requirements


Complete 33 credits by taking 11 courses, 9 philosophy courses and 2 cognate courses with an emphasis on public policy from others departments and programs.

Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may count toward the major.

Residency:  At least seven courses applied toward the major, including the senior directed independent study, must be completed at UMass Boston.

Course level: No more than two 100-level courses may count toward the major. At least five philosophy courses in the major must be at the 300-level or higher.

Only one Independent Study (Phil 478 or 479), including the Senior Directed Independent Study, can count toward satisfying the requirements of the major, including the requirement that 5 courses must be taken at the 300-level or highe

Course Requirements


200-Level Introductory Philosophy Course (3 Credits)


200 Level Philosophy Courses (3 Credits)


Take one of the following two courses:

300-400 Level Philosophy Courses (3 Credits)


Take one of the following three courses:

Additional Philosophy Electives (15 Credits)


Take 5 additional philosophy courses not being used for other major requirements.

Public Policy Cognate Courses (6 Credits)


Take two cognate courses with a strong emphasis on public policy from other departments and programs. Please consult your Philosophy Department Advisor for a list of appropriate courses.

Senior Directed Independent Study (3 Credits)


In their senior year students will take an Independent Study on a topic in philosophy and public policy that they choose in consultation with the faculty member who oversees their independent study.