Major in Philosophy of Science
About the Philosophy of Science Major
Students interested in becoming philosophy of science majors should meet with our advisor, Connie Corbett.
The philosophy of science explores the nature of science, distinguishing good from bad science, assessing scientific reasoning, and examining the moral and social implications of scientific activity. This major offers students a technical foundation in a chosen scientific or social science discipline, along with strong skills in ethical reasoning and logical analysis. Graduates are well-prepared for elite graduate programs or positions in technical industries.
Declare MajorMajor ChecklistHonors Checklist Why Philosophy of Science4-Year plan Sample
The degree requirements in philosophy of science allow students to tailor their course of study.
Required coursework for philosophy of science students is organized around four main areas of study: Philosophy of Science Core; History of Philosophy; Logic and Formal Methods; Ethics. Students are required to take courses from each area of study. The specific requirements are explained below.
The Major in Philosophy of Science calls for a minimum of 40 units of philosophy, math, and science coursework that meets the following requirements:
- PHIL 3350 History & Philosophy of Science (CW)
- PHIL 3310 Science & Society (HF)
- PHIL 3370 Philosophy of Biology (CW)
- PHIL 3375 Philosophy of Social Science
- PHIL 3380 Feminist Philosophy of Science (CW,DV)
- PHIL 3440 Cognitive Science (HF)
- PHIL 4380 Philosophy of Physics
- PHIL 5350 Topics in Philosophy of Science
- PHIL 5370 Topics in Philosophy of Biology
- PHIL 5375 Topics in Philosophy of Social Science
- PHIL 3200 Deductive Logic (QI)
- PHIL 3210 Inductive Logic
- PHIL 5200 Advanced Deductive Logic
- PHIL 5210 Advanced Inductive Logic
- PHIL 5220 Rational Choice Theory
- PHIL 3390 Tech & Design Ethics
- PHIL 3520 Bioethics
- PHIL 3530 Environmental Ethics
- PHIL 3570 Research Ethics
- PHIL 4540 Engineering Ethics (Varies)
- PHIL 5520 Advanced Bioethics
- PHIL 5530 Environmental Philosophy
- PHIL 5200 Advanced Deductive Logic
- PHIL 5210 Advanced Inductive Logic
- PHIL 5220 Rational Choice Theory
- PHIL 5350 Topics in Philosophy of Science
- PHIL 5370 Topics in Philosophy of Biology
- PHIL 5375 Topics in Philosophy of Social Science
- PHIL 5450 Philosophy of Mind (by permission only)
- PHIL 5520 Advanced Bioethics
- PHIL 5530 Advanced Ethics
- HPSCI 5900 Special Topics in HPSCI (by permission only)
- PHIL 5192 Topics in Philosophy of _____ (by permission only)
- PHIL 5450 Philosophy of Mind (by permission only)
Pre-Approved Courses in numerical order (SPRING 2019 - Current)
* = approved as an elective; ^ = approved as HPSCI core course
PHIL 3011 Ethical and Technological Advances in Medicine (Spring 2019)*
PHIL 3011-004 - Ethics and Wilderness Medicine (Spring 2023)*
PHIL 3011-004 - Artificial Intelligence Ethics (Fall 2024) - Approved for Ethics credit
PHIL 3011-004 & 006 - Data Ethics (Fall 2024) - Approved for Ethics credit
PHIL 3012 History and Philosophy of Chemistry ^
PHIL 3012 Philosophy of Forensic Science ^
PHIL 3013 History of Philosophy, Math, and Logic ^
PHIL 3012-002 Philosophy of Time Travel (Fall 2022), (Fall 2024)^
PHIL 3013-002 Alien Invaders! Biological Invasions in Science and Science Fiction (Spring 2020)^
PHIL 5450-001 Philosophy of Mind (Fall 2022)^
PHYS 5623-001 Queer Theory in Science Education (Fall 2024)
HPSCI 3900-001 Science & Culture in Latin America (Spring 2025)
College of Science/MATH courses that are required as prerequisites for Scientific Disciplinary Focus courses may also fulfill the Science Breadth requirement. These are introductory College of Science courses at the 1000-2000-level.
- Two MATH Courses
- Three College of Science Courses (The College of Science has many different departments, any course qualifies.)
Four upper-division courses from a chosen science or social science discipline. Three
courses at the 3000-4000-level and one 5000-level course.
For example, if MATH is the chosen focus choose three 3000-4000 level math classes
and one 5000-level course. This format is the same for any subject chosen.
The Department of Philosophy is strongly committed to helping transfer students succeed. If you are interested in transferring into our program from another college or university, the best way to put yourself into a position to succeed is to complete pre-requisites for your science and social science courses. Being able to get into the upper-division (3000, 4000, 5000-level) science /social science courses quickly will ensure you are able to complete the major science track in an efficient manner. The philosophy courses included in our major will help satisfy a number of your General Education requirements along the way.
Practically speaking, many (if not most) philosophy of science majors will also be STEM or social science majors. Adding a philosophy of science major to a STEM degree will set you apart and train you in the skills that will help you advance your career.
- Engineer
- Software Developer
- Environmental Scientist
- Physicist
- Doctor
- Social Work
Why major in Philosophy of Science?
Students who major in philosophy of science are going to be passionate about science or the social sciences and looking for a genuinely interdisciplinary major to explore that passion. This is a major that does more than provide content across disciplines, it draws on a multitude of disciplines that intersect students' interests around a theme. This encourages innovative, creative, and critical thinking about scientific and philosophical issues.
Practically speaking, many (if not most) philosophy of science majors will also be STEM or social science majors. We designed the major around Gen Ed pathways, helping STEM and social science majors complete their degrees efficiently. This is a great way to enhance your science or social science major, and to give you an edge when applying for jobs, graduate schools, or professional programs. Philosophy majors score at or near the top of most graduate entrance exams, and we expect philosophy of science majors will do even better. Adding a philosophy of science major to a STEM degree will set you apart and train you in the skills that will help you advance your career.