Politics and Philosophy Major
The politics and philosophy major is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary training in the conceptual, empirical, and normative foundations of various fields of public policy. It enhances students’ understanding of the moral and political complexities of public life, and it gives both empirical and philosophical preparation to students interested in pursuing careers in social and public affairs.
By combining course work from different disciplines, the program’s scope is broad, yet the structure of the curriculum also requires depth. Given the thematic nature of the major, there is flexibility in the courses you may choose to fulfill requirements. In collaboration with the major advisor, you will design a cohesive program of study, tailoring it to meet your individual postgraduate/career interests and needs.
In addition, essential communication skills in writing and presentation are sharpened through two required W-courses. Politics and philosophy is a rigorous and challenging but rewarding major. Upon graduation, an academic career is certainly a possible pursuit; the major is also excellent preparation for careers in law, government, community organizations, and social action groups.
The major comprises elements from the Departments of Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics, unified under the auspices of the University Honors College. The major involves a minimum of 51 units distributed as follows: political science, 21 units; philosophy, 21 units; economics, 9 units; capstone (which may or may not have units associated with it).
Required Courses for the Politics and Philosophy Major
Political Science Courses
Students must complete seven courses in political science. At least four of the courses must be from the upper level (numbered 1000 or above). One of the courses must be a W-course (the W-course may be either a lower-level or upper-level course). If possible, students should enroll in PS 0650 as the W-course; this course is offered irregularly, so other W-courses in political science may be used to fulfill this requirement.
Philosophy Courses
Students must complete seven courses in philosophy. At least four of the courses must be from the upper level (numbered 1000 or above). One of the courses must be a W-course (the W-course may be either a lower-level or upper-level course). If possible, students should enroll in PHIL 0850 as the W-course; this course is offered irregularly, so other W-courses in PHIL may be used to fulfill this requirement.
Economics Courses
The following are required economics courses: ECON 0100 Introduction to Microeconomic Theory, ECON 0110 Introduction to Macroeconomic Theory, and one additional ECON course (no course in the 0800 series may count toward this requirement).
Capstone Requirement
In consultation with the major advisor, students may opt for one of the following:
- Completion of the Bachelor of Philosophy thesis through the University Honors College;
- Participation in a graduate-level seminar (with permission of the instructor); or
- Completion of a directed research project, an independent study, or an internship.
Grade requirements
A minimum quality point average of 2.0 is required in those courses that count toward the major.
Satisfactory/Audit Option
There is no limit on the number of courses in the major that can be taken on an S/NC basis, but it is strongly suggested that these courses be taken for a letter grade.
Writing (W) Requirement
The W-courses noted above satisfy the (W) requirement for the major.
Related Area
A related area is not required due to the interdisciplinary nature of the major.
Advising
University Honors College Director of Advising
David A. Hornyak
3600 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-6884
hornyak@pitt.edu