Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
Philosophy investigates the big questions: What is there, what do we know, and how should we live?
Courses in philosophy develop a variety of skills that contribute to professional success, engaged citizenship and a well-rounded life. These include analytical thinking, abstract reasoning and creative problem solving – competencies universally sought by employers of all kinds.
Department of History & Philosophy
As a Philosophy major, you’ll be part of a vibrant intellectual community that prioritizes discussion-based learning. Given its high faculty-to-student ratio, our students work closely with award-winning faculty who are internationally recognized in the fields of applied ethics, ethical theory, existentialism, phenomenology, aesthetics and the history of philosophy.
Curriculum Overview
This expansive curriculum is focused on core texts and topics in the analytic, continental and Eastern philosophical traditions. We feature special courses designed to explore topics of contemporary significance, such as popular culture, social justice, healthcare issues and environmental concerns.
Begin your program with foundational courses like Human Experience in Art, Literature, Music, and Philosophy or Big Questions: Introduction to Philosophy.
Sample Courses
- ENGL 10400 – English Composition I
- SOC 10000 – Introductory Sociology
- COM 11400 – Fundamentals Of Speech Communication
Tackle logic and ethics in your second year with an introductory logic class and either Ethics or Ethics for the Professions.
Sample Courses
- PHIL 10100
- PHIL 11000
- PHIL 12000
Explore metaphysics and epistemology with philosophy of religion and philosophy of science courses. You’ll also begin studying the history of the field with a class on ancient philosophy.
Sample Courses
- PSY 12000 – Elementary Psychology
Your final year expands to include more history of philosophy courses. Conclude your studies with two advanced specialized topics in philosophy.
Sample Courses
- PHIL 30300
- PHIL 30600
- PHIL 49000
Highlights
Our faculty members have earned international recognition for their work in the subject areas that come together under this major. They have produced 18 scholarly books, 125 peer-reviewed published articles and over 200 conference presentations.
They also are passionate teachers that offer you plenty of opportunities for mentorship and research.
Outcomes
Logical, verbal and conceptual skills central to the discipline help philosophy majors earn the highest mid-career salaries of all non-STEM majors.
Every student who has worked with PNW philosophy faculty on graduate school applications has been accepted into one of his/her desired programs, whether in philosophy, law, theology or psychology.
Scholarships
There are multiple funding opportunities available to students in this program, including:
- Howard Cohen Philosophy Scholarship
- Department of History and Philosophy Study Abroad Scholarship
Beyond the Classroom
We know that learning happens everywhere, so we encourage you to get involved with activities like:
- Philosophy Club
- Symphony of Reason, a student philosophy journal
- Philosophy Matters Talk Series
Career Paths
Philosophy majors find diverse career opportunities in fields such as:
- Law
- Education
- Business
Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:
- Mountain Park Health Center
- University of Dayton
- One Step Beyond Inc.
Meet the Faculty
Professor of Philosophy Coordinator of the PNW Philosophy Program
David Detmer is a Professor of Philosophy in the Department of History and Philosophy. He is also Coordinator of the Philosophy Program.
Professor, Philosophy
Deepa Majumdar is a professor of philosophy in the Department of History & Philosophy. Her research and teaching areas include Plotinus’ Enneads, Indian thought, and ancient and medieval philosophy.
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Renee M. Conroy is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Fulbright Scholar. Her research addresses issues in the philosophy of art focused on dance, literature, film, and encounters with the pa
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
