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History & Philosophy of Science

College of Arts & Sciences

History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) studies the theories, methods, practices and institutions of science from historical and philosophical perspectives. It strives to provide a genuinely interdisciplinary structure for critical reflection on science in all its aspects.

Major category: Minimum requirements

Topic(s): Social sciences

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Degree requirements

Applicant type

Applicant type

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).

History and Philosophy of Science is a minimum requirements major. You may declare this major after enrolling at the UW and completing the prerequisites. Visit the department website for more information.

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

  • Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
  • Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
  • Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
  • UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

Please contact the department for details about the application process.
Suggested first- and second-year college courses: PHIL 120, PHIL 160, courses that develop writing skills, introductory science courses and mathematics courses through calculus.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses required for the major:

  • HSTCMP 311 SSc – Science in Civilization – Antiquity to 1600
  • HSTCMP 312 SSc – Science in Civilization – Modern
  • One course: PHIL 160 SSc – Perspectives on Science OR PHIL 460 SSc – Phil of Science
  • PHIL 120 SSc NSc RSN – Intro to Logic
  • 10 credits of Natural World
  • 10 credits of composition / writing courses

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 0
Total from Washington community colleges: 0

Career outcomes


See list of all majors