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Honors Program

The Philosophy Honors Program is for outstanding students in the major. Students are eligible to participate only if they meet the following criteria prior to enrolling in 191A:

  • Philosophy Major
  • Complete a minimum of 140 credit units
  • Achieve a minimum 3.7 average GPA in philosophy courses, and a minimum 3.25 average GPA overall (to be maintained after being accepted to the honors program)
  • Complete at least four upper-division philosophy courses
  • Secure an agreement from a philosophy faculty member to serve as the honors thesis advisor
  • Receive approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Department Chair

Once admitted to the honors program, students will enroll in PHIL 191A and PHIL 191B in consecutive quarters, and will be supervised and evaluated by their advisor. While honors students typically complete PHIL 191A and 191B consecutively in the Fall and Winter quarters of their final year, qualified students wishing to enroll in PHIL 191A or 191B on an alternate timetable can discuss this with their faculty advisor and the department undergraduate advisor. 

A departmental committee selected by the Director of Undergraduate Studies will read and assess the completed thesis and determine whether philosophy honors are to be awarded. The designation possibilities are: "with distinction," "with high distinction," or "with highest distinction." The earned designation will appear on the philosophy student's diploma.

Philosophy Honors Application Form