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Philosophy - Minor

Deepen your understanding of the world with Kent State's Philosophy minor. Explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics and more, and gain critical thinking skills that are highly valued in any field.

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Minor in Philosophy

Kent State University’s Minor in Philosophy provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills while exploring fundamental questions about ethics, existence, and knowledge. This program complements a variety of major fields by encouraging students to engage with diverse philosophical traditions and contemporary issues. Through a selection of courses that emphasize logical reasoning and moral reasoning, the minor fosters a deeper understanding of complex ideas and enhances students' ability to articulate their thoughts clearly. This academic experience not only enriches personal development but also prepares students for thoughtful engagement in their professional and civic lives.

Program Information for Philosophy - Minor

Program Description

Full Description

The Philosophy minor helps students develop skills such as critical thinking, careful reading and analysis of texts, argumentative and analytical writing, creative problem-solving, effective communication and global literacy — all of which are vital to success in a wide range of professions.

The minor provides excellent preparation for graduate school entrance exams (such as the GRE, LSAT and GMAT) and enhances the career preparation students obtain in their major field.

Philosophy minors develop these important skills while being introduced to a fascinating discipline which considers basic, timeless questions such as

  • "What is the nature of reality?"
  • "What (if anything) can I know with certainty?"
  • "What kind of life should I live?"
Admissions for Philosophy - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Read, write and think critically and analytically.
  2. Consider and analyze differing viewpoints and various sides of an issue.
  3. Construct strong arguments and express them verbally and in writing.
  4. Think creatively and see alternative solutions to problems.
  5. Communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings.
  6. Demonstrate meaningful cultural literacy.
  7. Continue on a path of lifelong learning and inquiry, whether in graduate school or independently.
  8. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history of philosophy and of important contemporary questions, as well as a deeper, more specialized understanding of selected philosophical figures, issues and/or areas of inquiry.
Coursework
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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements
PHIL 11001INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY (DIVG) (KHUM) 3
or PHIL 21001 INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS (DIVG) (KHUM)
PHIL 11009CRITICAL THINKING (KADL) 3
or PHIL 21002 INTRODUCTION TO FORMAL LOGIC (KMCR)
PHIL 31011ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY 3
or PHIL 31012 EARLY MODERN PHILOSOPHY
or PHIL 31013 LATE MODERN PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 31091PHILOSOPHERS IN DEPTH (WIC) 3
Philosophy (PHIL) Upper-Division Elective (30000 or 40000 level) 1, 23
Philosophical Pluralism Elective, choose from the following: 13
PHIL 31002
MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY (WIC)
PHIL 31040
FEMINIST PHILOSOPHY (DIVD)
PHIL 31070
AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHILOSOPHIES (DIVD)
PHIL 31075
PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE (DIVG)
PHIL 41091
SEMINAR IN WORLD PHILOSOPHY
PHIL 41491
SEMINAR IN ASIAN PHILOSOPHY (DIVG)
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18
1

Minimum one elective must be at the 40000 level.

2

PHIL 40093, PHIL 49996 and PHIL 49999 may not be counted toward the minor.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
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