Philosophy

University of Illinois at Springfield, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Program Information

The Philosophy Program at UIS focuses in the areas of core analytic philosophy (philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and related areas) and values (ethics, aesthetics and political philosophy) while providing a sound background in the history of philosophy. The study of philosophy increases an awareness of personal values and the major value conflicts in contemporary society, helps develop an understanding of the nature and limits of various forms of knowledge, and offers experience in critical reflections on major problems of knowledge or value. An undergraduate student may complete a major or minor in philosophy to acquire training in critical thinking and skill in analyzing values; both the major and minor concentration are offered on the UIS campus and online.

Application Requirements
Currently, formal application to both the University and the program is required for admission. Students should submit the following materials to the UIS Admissions Office (One University Plaza, Springfield, IL, 62703):

1. UIS application (see http://www.uis.edu/admissions)
2. $40 application fee (see http://www.uis.edu/registration/tuition/index.html)
3. Earned a minimum of 30 credit hours at the lower-division (freshman/sophomore) level
4. Completed 3 semester hours of English composition (as the minimum requirement for general University admission)

Enrollment Capacity
The online Philosophy Program will accept 25 new students each year. Admissions are made in the fall and spring semester. For best consideration, students should submit application materials as early as possible prior to the semester in which they would like to attend. Contact the Online Program Coordinator for specific information at 800/323-9243 or email the program: phi@uis.edu.

Application Deadline
Contact the Online Program Coordinator for specific information about application deadlines. Priority application deadlines:

For Fall Semesters: March 15th (admissions decisions made by April 15th)
For Spring Semesters: September 15th (admissions decisions made by October 15th)

Program Entrance Requirements (for Online Students)
To apply to enter the online Philosophy (PHI), students must have:
1. Taken two college-level classes of philosophy, at least one of them in the area of critical thinking or logic (students without prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and take prerequisites at UIS).A grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale from an accredited college or university. Note that in justified circumstances students with lower GPAs may apply for entrance to the Philosophy program.
2. Submitted a brief paper of 800 to 1200 words describing your interest in philosophy and goals for your study
3. Submitted a brief statement of purpose 0f 100 to 200 words presenting reasons for selecting the philosophy major online at UIS
4. Recommended: Submission of one to three reference letters from individuals who can attest to the ability for successful academic study

Degree Requirements
Area 1 (core analytical) - 8 Hrs.
Area 2 (history of philosophy, Ancient and Modern) - 8 Hrs.
Area 3 (values, including Ethics) - 8 Hrs.
Area of Specialization - 4 Hrs. (advanced class)
Capstone Seminar (in specialization) - 4 Hrs.
Philosophy elective - 4 Hrs.
UIS requirements - 12 Hrs.
General electives (at least 6 hours outside of the 12 Hrs. philosophy discipline)

Total: 60 Hrs.

Degree/Certificate: Bachelors Degree

Required Campus Visits: 0

Program URL: http://www.uis.edu/philosophy/

Program Contact: Holly McCracken
Director LAS Online programs
Liberal Studies Online
One University Plaza
UHB30112 MS3000
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 206-7421
Fax: (217) 206-6217
E-mail: hmccr1@uis.edu