Philosophy explores fundamental questions about nature, morality, science, art, justice, law, religion and more. Instead of being united by a focus on just one subject area, philosophy is united by the way it examines any subject or area of inquiry. Philosophers prize rigorous, critical thinking and intellectual creativity. They clarify the assumptions made in other disciplines; examine ideas across cultural boundaries; illuminate historical predecessors of contemporary concerns; and explain relations between scientific knowledge and the common sense view of the world. Ultimately, philosophy seeks to enlarge our understanding of the world and ourselves and therefore help us better understand how to live.
Major Requirements
PHI Courses That Meet General Education Requirements
Major Advising in Fall/Spring
Philosophy major advising can be done either in person on campus, on Zoom, or on the phone during Fall 2023. If you have any questions, please email Professor Amie Macdonald (amacdonald@jjay.cuny.edu).
When you request an advising appointment, please include your EMPL ID number.
We encourage you to talk with Professor Macdonald whether you have decided to major in Philosophy or are simply curious about the major or the minor. This meeting will help you develop better strategies for success in the major and prevent you from taking unnecessary courses. Transfer students should also meet with Professor Macdonald, ideally before registering for their first semester.
Note that Professor Macdonald is available to advise you about the Philosophy minor as well.
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Philosophy majors with questions during Summer session 2023 can email Professor Catherine Kemp (ckemp@jjay.cuny.edu) through June to set up an appointment. Starting July 1, Philosophy majors can email Professor Amie Macdonald (amacdonald@jjay.cuny.edu) to set up an appointment.
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Professor Kemp. This meeting will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
- Enroll in PHI 105 and PHI 231 as soon as possible, followed by PHI 210 the next semester and PHI 330 soon afterwards. Note that you do not need to take PHI 105 and PHI 231 in the same semester, but you should take both during your freshman year.
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PHI 231 is a prerequisite for many courses in the major.
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If possible, avoid taking more than three courses in the major within the same semester.
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Consider the many courses in Philosophy that fulfill general education requirements as well as major requirements. Taking courses that fulfill both types of requirements will allow you to progress through the major more efficiently.
- Though students can choose 200 level course options throughout the Philosophy major, we encourage you to challenge yourself by selecting 300 level courses whenever possible.
- Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 in the major and at least an overall 2.0 GPA to graduate.
Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
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Philosophy Major Checklist - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
