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28
credit hours required to earn a degree in philosophy, with a very flexible curriculum
100%
of Department of Philosophy students felt their instructors cared about them as a person.
86%
of Department of Philosophy graduates pursuing continuing education are enrolled in doctoral programs.
Pursue a B.A. in philosophy
As a philosophy student at WMU, you will acquire skills for public speaking, debate, critical evaluation and logical reasoning. You will also learn how to develop and present your own theories and arguments. Explore a wide range of philosophical interests and dig deep into your chosen area to pursue after graduation, whether you want to build a career in philosophy or explore questions that your own discipline doesn't ask. Due to its flexibility and number of credit hours, this major makes a perfect complement to any other program as a double major, adding depth and a broader perspective to any field. Bring critical thinking and ethical knowledge to business, healthcare, research and more.
What you'll learn
You can tailor your philosophy major to suit your personal interests. All students begin with a foundation in formal logic, but the other courses you choose to meet your requirements are completely up to you. Choose between ancient or modern philosophy, moral philosophy or metaphysics and philosophy of mind or symbolic logic. You also have the option to choose a concentration in professional and applied ethics, which will equip you with ethical approaches to careers, research, artificial intelligence, education and many more.
Student Quote
Philosophy has helped me to understand how I think and how other perspectives shape the world we live in. Through philosophy, students learn to critically examine decisions and policies, communicate more effectively, and develop stronger problem-solving skills. I love my philosophy major because it has fundamentally changed the way I see and engage with the world, and I believe everyone could benefit from taking a philosophy course.
Where you'll be after graduation
Many of our graduates pursue higher education in philosophy for academic careers, but a degree in philosophy will equip you with the critical thinking and writing skills needed to thrive in any field. Additionally, a degree in philosophy will train you to consider the bigger picture and handle crucial ethical questions in fields such as education, healthcare, research and business. Recent WMU graduates with degrees in philosophy are working as:
- Counselors
- Lawyers
- Public service officials
- Business administrators
- Hospital administrators
- Consultants
- Advertising professionals
What others have achieved
What others have achieved
Find out what members of the philosophy program are accomplishing at WMU and beyond.
Making the most of your learning experience
As a philosophy major, you can take your education beyond the classroom with several extracurricular opportunities, including our award-winning Ethics Bowl Team and the opportunity to do intensive research with experienced faculty members.
WMU is also home to the interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Ethics in Society that encourages and supports research, teaching and service to the University and community in areas of applied and professional ethics, such as business, education, engineering, government, health and human services, law, media, medicine, science and technology.
What scholarships are available for a philosophy degree?
In addition to WMU's many scholarship opportunities, you can apply for the Peter J. and Lynn M. Pearce Philosophy Scholarship or apply for research and travel grants offered by the College of Arts and sciences to support your education inside and outside the classroom.
