Transferring to Philosophy

Thinking of Transferring to UNM Philosophy?

Transferring from a community college or satellite UNM campus can be a great way to complete a Philosophy degree at UNM.  Students can complete General Education and Core Philosophy Courses for their degree at another college or university in New Mexico and then transfer to UNM for the final part of their studies.

Literally meaning “love of wisdom,” philosophy is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the human condition, and it involves deep and sustained reflection on fundamental questions about our actions, our identities, our values, and our history. It also involves deep and sustained reflection on the relationships we share with others and with the world in which we live.

At UNM, our world-class scholars in the Philosophy Department specialize in several areas, including Asian Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, and Social Philosophy.

It is possible to major or minor in Philosophy. There is also a Philosophy degree with a Pre-Law Concentration and an English-Philosophy major. You can find out more about these degree programs here.

Extending Humanities Pathways

The Philosophy Department works with the Mellon Transfer Initiative, which provides scholarships, guidance, sponsored summer courses and many additional resources to help students who are transferring to UNM.  Information about the resources provided by the Mellon Transfer Initiative will be linked to this page soon.

The Transfer Advisor for the Philosophy Department is Anthony Kanowitz. Anthony can answer your transfer questions, connect you with the Mellon Transfer Initiative, and help you integrate into the Philosophy Department.

Transferring to UNM Philosophy

How to apply:

  • Submit your application at apply.unm.edu.
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee.
  • Send your official transcript(s) to the UNM Office of Admissions once you have completed 24 credit hours with at least a "C" average (2.0 on 4.0 GPA scale) in all transferable college work.
  • Submit a FAFSA application at fafsa.gov and add the UNM school code, 002663.
  • Apply for scholarships.

If you have additional questions about the admissions process, please contact the UNM Office of Admissions at 505.277.8900

Once admitted:

  • Create a NetID at my.unm.edu.
  • Sign-up and attend an orientation program and meet with your major academic advisor to determine transfer coursework and plan your courses for the upcoming semester.
  • Review your transfer coursework through your Lobotrax Degree Audit at my.unm.edu.
In preparation for transferring to UNM, it is highly recommended that students complete the following courses.

General Education:

  • Communication
  • Mathematics & Statistics
  • Second Language

Philosophy Core Courses:

  • PHIL 1115: Introduction to Philosophy (3 Credits)
  • PHIL 1120: Logic, Reasoning, and Critical Thinking (3 Credits)

PHIL 1120: Logic, Reasoning, and Critical Thinking fulfills the Communication General Education Requirement. 

PHIL 1115: Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL 2210: Early Modern Philosophy, and PHIL 2225: Greek Thought fulfill the Humanities General Education Requirement.

To determine which credits from other institutions will transfer to UNM, use UNM's Transfer Equivalency System (TES). Click on the "Transfer Equivalencies" link and then search for your school by typing in the name in the search tool.

Department Contacts

Students interested in the Philosophy major or minor programs are invited to contact the department’s Faculty Advisor and Staff Advisor to discuss the role that Philosophy might play in their programs of study at UNM and in the professional endeavors they plan to pursue after graduation.