Prospective Students FAQs

Welcome Class of 2027!

Welcome to the Department of Philosophy! Below you will find information on declaring the Philosophy major and minor as well as some FAQs.

Prerequisites

For both the major and the minor, we ask that you complete at least one 200-level Philosophy course before declaring. A second course is recommended but not required.

How to Become a Philosophy Major

Attend Sophomore Open House on March 28^th (optional). Stop by 1879 Hall Tower Room between 1:00 and 3:00pm to meet current majors and faculty and learn more about the program. Lunch will be served.
Declare PHI as your major in TigerHub (March 27^th – April 14^th)
Fill out your Academic Planning Form (APF) in TigerHub (March 27^th – April 14^th)
Discuss your academic plan with Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Professor Hogan. Please email him ([email protected]) to arrange a meeting.
Register for Fall courses (April 17^th)

How to Become a Philosophy Minor

Take at least one PHI course
Email Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Professor Hogan([email protected]) to inquire about enrolling in the minor program. Be sure to include a list of the Philosophy courses you are enrolled in or have completed so far.
Receive approval to enroll from DUS
Receive enrollment notification from UGA
Complete 5 PHI courses!

If you have any questions, please contact Philosophy’s Undergraduate Administrator, Corinne Dodel ([email protected]).

How large is the department?: There are about 20 majors and 18 minors in each graduating class, and about 20 regular faculty (plus visiting and associated faculty). The student:faculty ratio is thus quite low. Browse faculty bios.
What is the prerequisite for entering the department?: One philosophy course, so you know what you are getting into. Usually it will be an intro (200-level) course since higher-level courses generally have as prerequisite a previous course in philosophy or instructor’s permission.
What are the requirements for the major?: Students majoring in Philosophy must complete at least eight courses, six of which must be distributed so that there are two courses in three of the four areas into which philosophy courses are divided (M-metaphysics; V-ethics and philosophy of value; L-logic and philosophy of science; H-history of philosophy). There is no restriction on the remaining two courses.
In addition to 8 courses, students must also compete the following independent work: a fall junior independent work group, a spring junior paper, and a senior thesis.
Do you offer sub-plans for the Philosophy major? If so, what do their requirements look like?: The department offers two possible sub-plans for students interested in writing their thesis in interdisciplinary fields: political philosophy or philosophy of science (linguistics, mathematics, computer science, physics, biology, psychology, economics).
The Political Philosophy option involves the following distribution requirements: two political theory courses from the Politics department, two Philosophy courses in the Ethics and Philosophy of Value area, and two Philosophy courses in one other Philosophy area.
The Philosophy of Science option involves the following distribution requirements: two science (e.g. mathematics, physics, biology, psychology, linguistics) courses, two Philosophy courses in the Logic and Philosophy of Science area, and two Philosophy courses in one other Philosophy area.
What sorts of topics do students write on for their JPs and theses?: You can see for yourself. Lists of actual junior seminar and senior thesis topics for selected recent years are available on-line at:

Junior Seminars

Senior Theses
Can I combine a philosophy major with a minor or certificate program?: Yes, though it may take some planning in advance and care in selecting courses. We recommend discussing your academic plan for you major and any potential minors with your advisor.
Can I major in philosophy and study abroad?: Yes, and each year there are some who do. Students who will be away one or both semesters of junior year can be assigned an adviser spring semester sophomore year so that they can begin work on their junior independent work before traveling (though they need not complete it until the usual time). For more information, please contact the Undergraduate Administrator ([email protected]). For other matters pertaining to study abroad, go to: http://www.princeton.edu/oip/sap/
Do most philosophy majors go on to graduate school?: No, only two or three a year go on to graduate school in philosophy or related areas, though these few generally end up at very good schools, often with very good fellowships (including a couple of years ago a Rhodes).
Where can I get more information?: From the Undergraduate Administrator, Corinne Dodel ([email protected]) or the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), Professor Hogan ([email protected]).
You can also find information on our department website https://philosophy.princeton.edu/ as well as our Independent Work Guide for Concentrators.
How can I get more information from students about what it is like to be a philosophy major or minor?: Prospective majors and minors can meet current students and faculty at the department’s Open House, held on March 28, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm in the Tower Room.
What are the requirements for the minor?: The Philosophy minor consists of 5 courses, subject to the following restrictions: no more than one may be an approved cognate; No more than two lower-division courses (200-level); no more than three can be from any one of the four Philosophy areas (Metaphysics, Value, Logic, History).
Students must declare their interest in the Minor to the DUS at the latest by the spring semester of junior year.