Nathan Carson, Ph.D.
Explore Philosophy Minor
Overview
Philosophy explores logical explanations of reality, knowledge and morality. This minor will provide you with a basic understanding of the history of Western philosophy, complementing majors in religion, literature, the arts, history and science.
Program Highlights
- The philosophy minor introduces you to logic, critical thinking and philosophical ethics.
- Texts from both ancient and modern philosophers are explored, and optional courses discuss theology and ethics, the philosophy of history and religion and the history of political theory, among other topics.
Faculty
Catalog
Program Director: Nathan P. Carson, Ph.D.
Overview
The minor provides students with a basic understanding of a portion of the history of Western philosophy and with the basic skills of logical argumentation. It complements majors in religion, literature, the arts, history, political science and natural sciences. The minor is often chosen as a value-added supplement to a student's career major.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Recognize, categorize and critically evaluate contemporary philosophers and philosophical schools of thought.
- Understand significant portions of the history of philosophy and of the way Christian intellectual traditions have both enriched and been enriched by that history of inquiry.
- Engage and articulate live contemporary philosophical problems and describe the ways philosophers have grappled with fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, aesthetics and the human condition (among others).
- Communicate with precise philosophical argumentation, reason-informed critical reflection and clear argumentative prose, and recognize as well as critically evaluate the validity and truth of philosophical arguments as they encounter them.
- Understand how philosophy is foundational to, relates to or augments other fields of thought.
- Understand and clarify the relationship between faith and reason, including the various ways this relation can be construed.
- See their analysis of philosophical arguments, thinkers and texts as central to their own (and others') intellectual, emotional, moral and Christian spiritual formation.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Lower Division Major Prerequisites- PHIL 100 - Introduction to Philosophy Credits 3
Required Courses (15 Units)- PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking Credits 3
Select one of the following:
- PHIL 331 - Ancient Philosophy Credits 3
- PHIL 335 - Modern Philosophy Credits 3
- PHIL 393 - Twentieth Century Western Thought Credits 3
- PHIL 450 - History of Political Theory and Ideas Credits 3
Elective Courses*
- PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking Credits 3
Select one of the following:
Select 9 units of the following:
- BUS 365 - Business Ethics Credits 3
- LIT 426 - English Literature: C.S. Lewis Credits 3
- PHIL 110 - Introduction to Philosophical Ethics Credits 3
- PHIL 331 - Ancient Philosophy Credits 3 ***
- PHIL 335 - Modern Philosophy Credits 3 ***
- HIST 360 - Greece: Drama and Paideia in the Polis Credits 4
- PHIL 370 - Bioethics Credits 3
- PHIL 393 - Twentieth Century Western Thought Credits 3 ***
- PHIL 405 - Philosophy of Religion Credits 3
- PHIL 430 - Wilderness Philosophy, Theology, and Literature Credits 3
- PHIL 450 - History of Political Theory and Ideas Credits 3
- PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
- PHIL 460 - Philosophy of History Credits 3
Note:
*An upper-division course from another program may count toward the philosophy minor if the course is pertinent to the philosophy minor and approved by the philosophy program director.
**Multiple iterations of PHIL 286 or PHIL 486 can be taken, when the topic designation of each course is distinct from other iterations student has completed
*** PHIL 331 , PHIL 335 and PHIL 393 can be taken in either area, but cannot overlap to satisfy both requirements.
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
- Recommended High School Courses for Admission
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- 4 years of college preparatory English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
- 2 years of social studies
- 1 year of laboratory science
- 1 year of performing art
- 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
- Things to Keep in Mind
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Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
Non-traditional Admission
- Steps for Re-application
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For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
- Fill out the re-application form
- Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
- Steps for Re-admission
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Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
- Fill out the re-admission form
- Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
- Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
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Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
- Personal essays are not required
- Auditing a class
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Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
- Personal essays are not required
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
- Incoming requirements
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This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
- Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
- This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
- The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
- Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
- The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
- Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
- Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
- Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
- Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
- Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
- Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
- Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
- Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways
FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.
- Incoming requirements
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- 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
- Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
- Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
- Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
- Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
- Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
- Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
- For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
- Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
- Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
- Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
- Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
- Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
- This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
- This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
- 2023-2024
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960 Student body fee $598 Total Tuition and Fees $35,548 Room $5,018 Board $5,130 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,248 Summer Session $500 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2022-2023
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614 Student body fee $574 Total Tuition and Fees $34,188 Room and Board $8,884 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,218 Summer Session $400 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2021-2022
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954 Student body fee $498 Total Tuition and Fees $33,452 Room and Board $8,710 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,177 Summer Session $300 Private Music Instruction $400
Room & Board Rates
- Freshman / Sophmore Housing
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Module* Fall Spring Modules $4,313 $4,313 Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 * Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
- Junior / Senior Housing
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Suites & Houses Fall Spring Room only $2,068 $2,068 Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719 Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276 Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400 Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694 Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345 Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902 Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026 Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306 Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958 Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514 Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639 Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring 70 Block $651 $651 140 Block $1,208 $1,208 Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332 * Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Notes about housing
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- For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
- Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work Study
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Workstudy | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
The study of philosophy develops the ability to think logically and ethically; this ability can be useful in any professional environment, but is especially valuable in careers in ministry, data management, business development and nonprofit leadership.
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more