Undergraduate Education in Philosophy

The study of philosophy for undergraduates offers a unique opportunity for both professional and self development unlike any other field or discipline of study. Not only are students introduced to the greatest thinkers, theories and themes of philosophy’s 2,000 year history, they are also challenged to develop their own ideas, to apply philosophy to their own lives, and to examine the philosophical foundations of ethics, political theory, social theory, literary theory and environmental issues of our times. Temple of Zeus

Philosophy can also teach students to think critically, to analyze arguments, to understand assumptions used and applied in other fields of study. Philosophy students who double major always report that philosophy helps them not only understand themselves and the world with more depth and acumen, but also assists in their work in the other field as well.

In addition, philosophy students score consistently higher on LSAT, MCAT and GMAT exams across the country. As preparation for Law School, Medical School and other advanced degrees, philosophy students are often far ahead of their peers. We offer applied specializations as well including a Minor in Ethics, an option for the social sciences, the arts and humanities, justice, law and values, and mathematics and the hard sciences.

Finally, as preparation for advanced degrees in philosophy, this department offers a comprehensive program in the history of philosophy which covers every major period and thinker from the Ancient Greeks, through Medieval thought, Modern and Enlightenment thought, the challenges of the 19th century as philosophy clashed with political theory, religion, and epistemologies of the day, all the way to the 20th and 21st centuries and the issues that concern contemporary society and our future. We consistently support students as they move ahead to graduate school in a wide variety of fields and see our students accepted into the best schools in the country.

In sum, students who take up philosophy as a major, a minor , or as preparation for future degrees in fields both inside and outside of philosophy all report that it provides not only a field of objective study but also an opportunity for self-transformation and personal character development as well as intellectual development applicable to every facet of their lives.

Undergraduate