Philosophy
College of Arts & Sciences
Philosophy is the study of fundamental issues concerning reality, knowledge, values and ethics. It is dedicated to probing the foundations of things, to asking questions and to thinking about what sorts of answers to our questions should be satisfying. Through the study of philosophy, students build skills of critical reflection, careful reading and writing and creative thinking. Generally speaking, training in philosophy will be valuable in any occupation that requires examination and analysis of problems, critical evaluation of alternative perspectives and solutions and rational advocacy of one’s conclusions. The undergraduate program in the Department of Philosophy offers a program of study leading to a BA degree, as well as a minor. The department also offers, jointly with the Department of History, a BA degree in History and Philosophy of Science. Graduates of these degree programs pursue careers in fields such as business, psychology, nonprofit, law, global health and the arts.
Major category:
Minor available
Curricular options: Philosophy, Ethics
Area(s) of interest: Social sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- 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
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses REQUIRED for admission:
- 10 credits of Philosophy course work
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 153
Total from Washington community colleges: 21
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 7
3.50 – 3.74: 7
3.25 – 3.49: <5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5