Our students read, discuss, and analyze texts from all of the traditional philosophical areas of study and historical periods, become familiar with contemporary schools of thought, and learn about the application of philosophy to other disciplines and professions. We familiarize students not only with the Western philosophical tradition, but also with schools of thought from a broad spectrum of non-Western cultures. A Philosophy major provides intensive training in argumentative writing, careful reading, and critical and creative thinking, while also broadening students' intellectual, cultural, and personal horizons.

Career opportunities

Majoring in Philosophy will help prepare you for success, regardless of what your career goals are. Students majoring in philosophy develop skills attractive to a broad range of potential employers. They receive intensive training in critical thinking and argumentation skills, careful reading and analysis of texts, argumentative writing, creative problem-solving, effective communication, and global literacy. These important skills are vital in today's job market, and no job seeker can afford to be without them. Our 36-credit-hour major makes it easy for students to combine a Philosophy major with other majors or minors, depending on their career interests. In this way, students can tailor their educational experience to provide excellent preparation for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine, technology, public relations, government, journalism, education, writing, editing, communications and social work.

Interested in a career in law or government? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform many other majors and all government and prelaw majors on the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)! (Source: Philip Handwerk, LSAC Data Services, Law Services Admission Council). Interested in a career in business? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform economics majors and all other business majors on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)! Interested in graduate studies? Recent studies show that, as a group, Philosophy majors outperform most other majors and all business, pre-law, and liberal arts majors on the GRE (Graduate Records Exam)! Philosophy was the only major of 57 reported to score a mean 5.0 on the Analytical Writing section of the exam.