Philosophy comes before other studies in that it takes up the general questions whose answers underlie the more particular parts of human knowledge. The philosophy major prepares students for graduate work in philosophy, law, and theology. It also gives the student a more intensive training in the liberal arts and lays the foundations for special studies in the natural sciences, literature, languages, history, and the social sciences. The critical investigation of the major areas of human endeavor stresses the formation of the student’s judgment.
To What Careers Does a Major in Philosphy Lead?
Philosophy leads to everything. In addition to obvious choices like law, medicine, publishing, teaching, and government, people who major in philosophy go on to careers in every imaginable field: https://www.apaonline.org/page/whostudiesphilosophy
See our department website for more information on the wide range of careers that have been and can be successfully pursued with a philosophy degree: https://www.assumption.edu/academics/programs/philosophy
For a guide to careers outside of academia appropriate for people with degrees in philosophy, see: https://www.apaonline.org/page/beyondacademia?
For an array of resources suitable for undergraduates, see: https://www.apaonline.org/page/undergrad_resources
Learn about the American Philosophical Association: www.apaononline.org
Learn about the American Catholic Philosophical Association: www.acpaweb.org
- Any student interested in graduate studies in philosophy should take PHI 301 Logic and should pursue a modern language (French or German).
- Although 11 courses are required for the major, students may take up to 14 philosophy courses.
- The heart of the major is found in the three “history” courses from four periods, Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary. There are several courses offered in each historical period, and majors must take one course from three different periods. Typically, courses in ancient and modern philosophy are offered in the fall semesters, and medieval and contemporary courses are offered in the spring. Although desirable, it is not always possible to offer all four courses each year, and so students must plan carefully and take appropriate courses when they are available. Students who plan to study abroad at some point should take particular care. Consult with the chairperson of the department to learn the anticipated schedule.
- It is possible and often desirable to take more than one course from the same historical period as an elective within the major.
- Metaphysics may not be offered every year, and so students must plan carefully to take this course when it is available. Consult with the chairperson of the department to learn the anticipated schedule.
- A maximum of three intermediate courses (151–154) count within the major.
- Courses numbered in the 200’s are general interest PHI courses, presupposing no more than PHI 100 and one intermediate course (151–154). Courses numbered above 250 are like those below 250, except they involve a somewhat specialized or narrowed interest.
- Courses numbered above 300 usually do not have extensive prerequisites, which means they could be taken at any time after the first two philosophy courses. Nevertheless, those courses are proper only for majors, minors, and other students with a serious interest in the course.
- Any student interested in graduate studies in philosophy should take PHI 301 Logic and should pursue a modern language (French or German).
- PHI 301 Logic may be taken concurrently with the second Foundations Program cornerstone PHI course.
- Students may combine the Philosophy Major with another major or with any of several minors, such as Core Texts and Enduring Questions, LEX, or the Honors Program.
- Students are encouraged to join the student-run Philosophy Club. For more information, contact the chairperson.
- To maintain the academic integrity of the major, transfer courses are approved under strict conditions. Students should consult with the department chair before registering for courses outside the day school of Assumption University.