COURSE CURRICULUM

The Philosophy major at St. Thomas University requires students to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours in philosophy, structured to provide both breadth and depth in philosophical study. The program begins with six credit hours of introductory courses, selected from a range of options that introduce key philosophical questions such as free will, ethics, life and death, atheism, myth and reason, and the relationship between humans, animals, and technology. These courses help students develop foundational critical thinking skills and an understanding of core philosophical problems. Students must also complete six credit hours in moral philosophy, choosing from courses that explore ethical theories, contemporary moral issues, sustainability, and classical approaches to the good life. In addition, twelve credit hours are required from historical philosophy courses, covering ancient, medieval, and early modern traditions, along with an introduction to logic. These courses provide a strong grounding in the development of philosophical thought over time. Students must also complete three credit hours in analytic philosophy, focusing on areas such as epistemology and analytical reasoning, and another three credit hours in continental philosophy, covering thinkers and movements such as existentialism, phenomenology, and Heidegger. Overall, the program develops strong analytical, ethical, and interpretive skills, preparing students for careers in law, education, public service, and other fields requiring critical reasoning.