As a philosophy major, you will learn to ask big questions about all aspects of life. From considering the nature of the universe and contemplating good and evil to studying the basic components of arguments, philosophy can apply to almost any part of human experience, big or small.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BA

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What courses will you take?

Explore areas of study and the value of a philosophy major with Alison McConwell, Assistant Professor of Philosophy.

UMass Lowell's B.A. in Philosophy prepares you to critically engage with the world and emphasizes skills such as logic, argumentation, clarity, and creative thought. 

There are three ways to major in philosophy, with options in General Philosophy, Communications and Critical Thinking, and Religious Studies.

  • General Option – Gain a strong foundation in philosophy by completing survey courses in introductory philosophy supplemented by upper-level courses in ethics, politics and culture, and metaphysics. You will complete a capstone project the senior year, consisting of a focused directed study with a faculty member to create an in-depth thesis paper.
  • Communications and Critical Thinking Option – Integrate philosophy with the field of communications with this unique interdisciplinary experience. In addition to philosophy courses, you will select three interdisciplinary electives in communications – digital media, film studies, etc. During the senior year, you will complete either the capstone project or a practicum. Practicum will consist of a 60-hour unpaid internship in communications with a write-up of the internship experience developed in coordination with a faculty advisor.
  • Religious Studies Option – Focus your philosophical studies on religion with an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. You will take religion courses both in and outside of the philosophy department to encourage a broad understanding of religion and its place in the world. You will also complete a capstone project the senior year, consisting of a focused directed study with a faculty member to create an in-depth thesis paper.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Philosophy minor.

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2015 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
PHIL.1010Introduction to Philosophy (CTPS)3
MATH.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.1110 / MATH.1510 recommended3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
PHIL.1020Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (QL)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total15

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.1030 /
PHIL.1060		Introduction to Ethics /
Introduction to Political Philosophy		3
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy Elective: See Ethical Issues List (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective1		3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy Elective: See Philosophy, Politics and Culture List (DCA)3
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective (3000 level or above)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective1		3
Total16

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective: See Metaphysics and Epistemology List3
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective (3000 level or above)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective1 / Free Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
Total15
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective (any level)3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.4951Senior Capstone (AIL), (WOC), (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

See your advisor for a list of courses.

Philosophy majors in this option will be required to complete 30 total credits in Philosophy, with a minimum of 15 credits at the 3000 level or higher.

Required Courses (9 credits)

Upper-Level Area Verifications (9 credits)

Students must take one course from each of the three categories below:

Ethical Issues (SRE)

Philosophy, Politics and Culture (DCA)

Metaphysics and Epistemology

Upper-level Philosophy Electives (6 credits minimum)

Students must take at least two additional Philosophy courses at the 3000 level or higher.

Additional Philosophy Electives (3 credits minimum)

Students must take at lest one additional Philosophy courses at any level.

Senior Capstone (3 credits) (AIL), (WOC), (IL)

Students must complete a thesis in the Senior Capstone.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment. See the catalog policy for details.


For students who entered fall 2015 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
PHIL.1010Introduction to Philosophy (CTPS)3
MATH.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.1110 / MATH.1510 recommended3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
PHIL.1020Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (QL)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total15

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.1030 /
PHIL.1060		Introduction to Ethics /
Introduction to Political Philosophy		3
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy Elective: see Ethical Issues list (SRE)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective1		3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy Elective: see Philosophy, Politics and Culture list (DCA)3
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective (3000 level or above)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective1		3
Total16

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective: see Aesthetics list3
xxxx.xxxxCommunications Elective (see list)23
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxCommunications Elective (see list)23
xxxx.xxxxCommunications Elective (see list)23
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective1 /
Free Elective		3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective /Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.4960 /
PHIL.4951		Practicum / Senior Capstone (AIL), (WOC), (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

2Students in this option must take three interdisciplinary classes directly relevant to the Communications program. Please consult with your advisor about selecting available courses relevant to your career goals.

See your advisor for a list of courses.

Philosophy majors under this option are required to complete 33 total credits designated by the major, with a minimum 24 credits in Philosophy, including a minimum of 15 credits in Philosophy at the 3000 level or higher.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • PHIL.1010 Introduction to Philosophy (CTPS)
  • PHIL.1020 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking (QL)
  • PHIL.1030 Introduction to Ethics OR PHIL.1060 Introduction to Political Philosophy

Upper-Level Area Verifications (9 credits)

Students must take one course from each of the three categories below.

Ethics Issues (SRE)

Philosophy, Politics and Culture (DCA)

Aesthetics

Upper-level Philosophy Elective (3 credits minimum)

Students must take at least one additional Philosophy course at the 3000 level or higher.

Interdisciplinary Electives (9 credits)

Students must take three interdisciplinary electives outside of the department relating to critical thinking and/or communications. Exceptions to include other courses may be requested by petition.

Practicum or Senior Capstone (3 credits) (AIL), (WOC), (IL)

Students must complete a three-credit practicum (either a 60-hour internship or a directed study) approved by the Chair. Alternatively, students under this option may choose to complete a three-credit senior thesis in the Senior Capstone.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their advisement report in SIS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

For students who entered fall 2015 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Seminar1
PHIL.1010Introduction to Philosophy (CTPS)3
MATH.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH) - MATH.1110 recommended13
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
PHIL.1030Introduction to Ethics (SRE)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total15

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.1070Intro to World Religions (DCA)3
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy and Religion Elective (see list)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspectiv. (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.3xxxPhilosophy and Religion Elective (see list)3
xxxx.xxxxReligion Elective Outside Philosophy Department33
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxScience with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
Total16

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxReligion Elective Outside Philosophy Department33
xxxx.xxxxReligion Elective Outside Philosophy Department33
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective2 / Free Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.xxxxPhilosophy Elective (any level)3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
PHIL.4951Senior Capstone (AIL), (WOC), (IL)3
xxxx.xxxxPhilosophy Elective / Free Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1To satisfy the Core Curriculum Quantitative Literacy (QL) ELO, Philosophy majors in the Religious Studies option can either take PHIL.1020 Introduction to Logical and Critical Thinking, or an approved (QL) ELO course outside the major (e.g., MATH.1110 Math Perspectives, ECON.1010 Economics I, or MATH.2830 Intro. to Statistics).

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Students in this option may take up to three interdisciplinary classes directly relevant to the Religious Studies program. Please consult with your advisor about selecting available courses relevant to your interests and career goals.

See your advisor for a list of courses.

Philosophy majors under this option will be required to complete 30 total credits in Philosophy, with a minimum of 15 credits at the 3000 level or higher.

Required Courses (9.0 credits)

Philosophy and Religious Studies Courses (15 credits)

Students must take a total of 15 credits of approved philosophy and religious studies electives.

Upper Level Philosophy and Religion Courses (minimum 6 credits)

Students must take a minimum of 6 credits (2 courses) must be completed from the approved list of Philosophy and Religion Courses

Religion Electives outside Philosophy (maximum 9 credits)

Students may take up to a maximum of 9 credits (three courses) in approved philosophy and religious studies courses outside of the department. Exceptions to include other courses may be requested by petition.

Additional Elective (3 credits)

Students under this option must take at least one additional Philosophy course at any level, or one additional course from the “Religion Electives outside Philosophy” list.

Senior Capstone (3 credits) (AIL), (WOC), (IL)

Students must complete a thesis in the Senior Capstone.

Note: To satisfy the (QL) ELO requirement, Philosophy majors in the Religious Studies option can either take PHIL.2020 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking or an approved (QL) ELO course outside the major.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty advisor to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their advisement report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your advisor.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Upon completion of the Philosophy major, a graduate will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major traditions of human thought.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to apply analytical and problem-solving skills to a wide array of problems.
  3. Be able to analyze, critique, and apply persuasive arguments in a disciplined and systematic way.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to use oral and written communication to effectively communicate a point of view.
  5. Be able to analyze problems of human value and meaning within the context of the traditions of moral philosophy.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to pursue independent study (read and reflect on) of philosophical works.

Why study philosophy at UMass Lowell?

UMass Lowell professor Blake Hereth speaks before a classroom with a slide showing the words: McTernan's View

Research Opportunities

Work closely with faculty on research areas including:

  • Ethics of biotechnologies
  • Preventing child abuse
  • Identity, gender, and intersectionality
  • Evolutionary contingency
Attendees pose for a photo at the 2014 Charles S. Peirce International Centennial Congress.

Experiential Learning

Build career-ready skills through experiences outside the classroom, through internships offered by the department, such as: 

  • Archival processes for materials collected from Stanford Special Collections and the American Philosophical Library in the history of philosophy of biology
  • Concord Prison Outreach Operations internship 
Students sitting under a tree at sunset

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice by joining student-run clubs and organizations like the Philosophy Club and the Pre-Law Society.

Students sit at desks in philosophy classroom at UMass Lowell

Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year UMass Lowell student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career — earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

Career Outlook

  • $61,400

    Median salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    (Lightcast, 2024)

  • +7.1%

    Projected job growth (2023–2035)
    (Lightcast, 2024)

What Can You Do with a Degree in Philosophy?

UMass Lowell's philosophy graduates are prepared to enter a variety of careers or continue to professional graduate study in business, education, law, theology and medicine.

Student standing and holding a folder

Careers for Philosophy Majors Include:

  • Business analyst
  • Professor
  • Lawyer
  • Policy analyst
  • Communications specialist
  • Journalist
  • Ethicist

Meet Our Students and Faculty

UMass Lowell faculty member Nicholas Evans profile photo
Nicholas Evans
Philosophy

Nicholas Evans studies the ethics of dual-use research—scientific research that could be turned to terrorist purposes.

I became less interested in what scientists were doing and more interested in their reasons for doing it.
Read More About Nicholas Evans 
Asst. Prof. Elvira Basevich in front of a blackboard with her name written on it.
Elvira Basevich
Philosophy

To Asst. Prof. Elvira Basevich, philosophy isn’t abstract – because ideas and ideals are affected by historical experience.

I try to build a structure for students to understand, articulate and defend their own independent judgment.
Read More About Elvira Basevich 
Michael Makiej preforming a high jump.
Michael Makiej '24
Philosophy, Political Science

Michael Makiej hits his stride in and out of the classroom, competing as a high jumper on the men’s track and field team while double-majoring in philosophy and political science.

It just seemed like such a fantastic place for me. I just got this very good impression from all these different people.
Read More About Michael Makiej 
Daphne Shakira Naut posing on a mountain during study abroad with views of rocky, snowy mountains in the background
Daphne Shakira Naut '20
Political Science & Philosophy

Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut was already fluent in two languages and had started on two more by the time she finished high school. Here at UML, she’s picked up a fifth language and studied abroad three times – all while supporting herself.

Languages are like M&Ms. You just keep adding more.
Read More About Daphne Shakira Naut 
Sam Angelli-Nichols
Sam Angelli-Nichols '25
Philosophy

Sam Angelli-Nichols got help for his ADHD and will work for Philosophy Chair Nicholas Evans on an AI research project after graduating.

The two people who have changed my life the most at UML are Alison McConwell and Nick Evans.
Read More About Sam Angelli-Nichols 
Laura Cabrera sings jazzy rhythm and blues and original compositions as "Queen Laura" at El Taller, a literary café in Lawrence
Laura Cabrera '18
Bachelor of Liberal Arts

Laura Cabrera's studies in philosophy and psychology have given her great personal insight - and the confidence to pursue a creative career in music, art and dance.

If you're good at it, dedicate time to it and feel inspired, then anything is possible.
Read More About Laura Cabrera 

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