Expand mobile version menu
  Skip to main content

Philosophy

Program Description

Just the Facts

Philosophy. A program that focuses on ideas and their logical structure, including arguments and investigations about abstract and real phenomena. Includes instruction in logic, ethics, aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics, symbolism, and history of philosophy, and applications to the theoretical foundations and methods of other disciplines.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Additional Information

What's the meaning of life? How do we know we actually exist? As a philosophy student, you'll ponder these and other cosmic mysteries.

"Philosophy makes of you a writer and a good critical thinker with analytical skills," says Lawrence Udell Fike, Jr. He is chair of the philosophy department at Yakima Valley Community College in Yakima, Washington. "It puts a healthy pressure on students to develop their abilities as listeners, readers, writers and speakers."

Philosophy programs vary, so check course offerings carefully. Some programs deal with the history of philosophy and classical studies, while others lean heavily toward ethics or other aspects of the discipline.

High school preparation for philosophy should include foreign languages, mathematics, science, literature, writing and history. Extracurricular activities should include student government, newspaper work, debate or athletics.

John Justice, a philosophy professor at Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Virginia, says reading is the most valuable activity.

"Socrates liked to hang out in the agora, the ancient equivalent of our malls," says Fike. "Kant stayed at home and read. Plato, Aristotle and Sartre wrote plays. Tracking social changes, doing volunteer work, working in a hospital can be valuable."

He also recommends vigorous exercise. "I run several miles a day and as a student I did it with a note sheet in my pocket. I'd run through arguments mentally, and when I got stuck, I'd pull out the sheet to get back on track. This can be a great way to do philosophy and get fit, too!"

Aside from tuition and books, philosophy majors can expect few other expenses. "The American Philosophical Association encourages student participation at its conferences. I take students on hiking and camping trips. Your coffee bill might get pretty steep. I've heard Voltaire drank 20 cups a day," says Fike.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Teachers -- Post-Secondary

Philosophy -- A Brief Guide for Undergraduates
Published by the American Philosophical Association

Philosophy Departments
List of departments throughout the United States

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


Powered by XAP

OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.