Philosophy majors learn to think rigorously about fundamental questions, understand and evaluate conflicting points of view, express ideas clearly and logically, and reason in a careful way; these skills are useful in almost any career. A few philosophy majors go on to teach philosophy. Many more use philosophy to prepare for other areas, like law, medicine, administration, or journalism.
Many students choose philosophy as a second major or a minor. Your first major likely raises questions about values or methodology that philosophy can explore; so philosophy can deepen and broaden your first major. It also can enhance your intellectual skills — to question, think seriously, and speak clearly. So a second major or minor in philosophy can help prepare you for a profession in your first field, or for graduate school.
Learn more about our Programs of Study:
Philosophy Requirements in the Core Curriculum
All ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ undergraduates take three philosophy courses as part of the Core Curriculum requirements. Introduction to Philosophy must come first, but the other two courses can come in either order..
- Any 200-level philosophy course: These study philosophical questions in a historical context, as dealt with by the great minds in the history of philosophy.
- Any 300-level philosophy course: These study specific philosophical areas or questions; they may also relate philosophy in a special way to the student’s major non-philosophical area of study.