The Philosophy Honors Program
Information and Application

Now that you are a major in Philosophy we hope you will consider participating in our Honors Program. We believe this program offers a great opportunity for advanced and individualized work in Philosophy. Successful completion of this program will entitle you to graduate with Honors in Philosophy. Please review the following and if interested, complete the short application (You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the file). Questions about the program can be directed to Prof. Rubenstein (erubenst@iup.edu) or to the Chair of the Philosophy Department, Prof. Begres (sjbegres@iup.edu).

I. Eligibility

Any student with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a GPA of 3.5 in the Philosophy major at the end of their third semester at IUP is eligible for admission.

II. Requirements

A. The requirements of the Philosophy Major in general are such that in addition to the required courses, and courses from required areas, 12 additional credits must be taken. For the Honors Program, 9 of the 12 are to be satisfied as specified below. The remaining three credit hours will be taken in accordance with the general requirements for the major.

B. Honors Program Courses

1) PHIL 480: Honors Seminar (3 credit hours)

2) PHIL 483: Thesis Study (6 credit hours)
During their senior year, students will undertake a two-semester thesis project. The first semester will involve regular consultations with a project advisor, the determination of a project, the compilation of a bibliography, and an oral defense of the project proposal at the end of the Fall semester. The second semester is designed to be the culmination of these studies, resulting in a substantial thesis paper (approximately 30 pages).

3) HNRC 499

C. Satisfaction of the Honors Program

In order to be granted Honors in Philosophy, students must complete all Philosophy requirements with at least a GPA of 3.5