Philosophy at a glance

Philosophy is the academic discipline that challenges all assumptions and systematically studies fundamental questions about knowledge, existence, rationality, ethics and the human condition, transforming how we think and live.

Philosophy equips students with transferable skills in analytical thinking, clear writing, careful argumentation and the ability to constructively discuss controversial issues and understand issues from multiple perspectives. In this way, studying philosophy prepares one to tackle complex problems in our increasingly diverse society, while fostering a deeper understanding of oneself, others and the world.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

People trained in philosophy enter just about every career field. Core philosophical skills such as problem solving, effective communication, organization and analysis are all highly prized by employers. With an undergraduate degree in philosophy, you may move into fields such as government and politics, business, public relations, education, technology and nonprofit advocacy. Philosophy majors also perform very well on entry exams to medical school, law school and graduate school. With further training, you can pursue careers in medicine, law, information services and academic research.

What skills are developed within this major?

Philosophy equips students with transferable skills in analytical thinking, clear writing, careful argumentation and the ability to constructively discuss controversial issues and understand issues from multiple perspectives. In this way, studying philosophy prepares one to tackle complex problems in our increasingly diverse society, while fostering a deeper understanding of oneself, others and the world.

Major in Philosophy

Only 10 required courses (30 credit hours):

• PHL 140: Logical Reasoning
• PHL 300: Philosophical Methods
• PHL 345: Philosophy of Science
• PHL 351: Foundations of Western Thought
• PHL 352: Modern Philosophy and Beyond
• PHL 411: Ethics
• PHL 450: Minds and Machines
• PHL 471: How do we Know?

Two additional philosophy electives (6 credit hours) at any level. Philosophy electives include any PHL courses, as well as INQ 110 and INQ 111

Minor in Philosophy

Only 6 required courses (18 credit hours):

• One of the following history of philosophy courses:
  • PHL 351: Foundations of Western Thought
  • PHL 352: Modern Philosophy and Beyond
• One of the following contemporary philosophy courses:
  • PHL 345: Philosophy of Science
  • PHL 450: Minds and Machines
  • PHL 471: How Do We Know?

Four philosophy elective courses (12 credit hours) at any level. Philosophy electives include any PHL courses, as well as INQ 110 and INQ 111

Bioethics Certificate

Earning the certificate requires a total of 3 courses (9 credit hours) in bioethics at the undergraduate level, with a grade of B or better in each course. Choose any 3 of the following courses:

• PHL 340: Foundations of Bioethics
• PHL 428: Bioethics: Special Topics
• PHL 440: Moral Reasoning and Bioethics
• PHL 441: Clinical Issues in Bioethics
• PHL 442: Policy Issues in Bioethics
• PHL 443: Bioethics and the Law
• PHL 446: Ethics of Human Reproduction

Note: Completion of PHL 240 - Heath Care Ethics or PHL 340 - Foundations of Bioethics is required before enrolling in any of the 400-level courses. PHL 340 can also count towards the 9 credit hours.

Learn more about the Bioethics Certificate.

Accelerated 3+3 Philosophy – Law Program

The CSU College of Law 3+3 program permits a student who has completed three years of undergraduate study to be admitted to the College of Law to begin J.D. studies. The undergraduate degree will be awarded upon successful completion of the first full year of the J.D. curriculum, thus permitting the student to graduate with both an undergraduate and law degrees in six rather than seven years of full-time study (or its equivalent).

In effect, the first year of law school completes the fourth year of the undergraduate degree (serving, in effect, as undergraduate elective courses) and serves as the first year of law school. This arrangement saves both time and money for the student.

For more information about the 3+3 Philosophy – Law Program, please contact Michael Wiitala, Philosophy Program Advisor, at m.wiitala@csuohio.edu

Philosophy Honors Program

Students complete 12 hours of honors credits – 6 elective philosophy credits and 6 related to completion of an independent research project. The 6 elective honors hours can be met by:

• taking honors courses in philosophy;
• doing up to 3 hours of independent research or
• contracting a philosophy course to make it into an honors course.

The 6 credits toward the independent research projects will include two semesters of PHL 497H - Honors Project. These credits can all be used towards the regular major, so this does NOT require the student to take more than the normal 30 hours.

Questions about Philosophy Courses, Degrees, Opportunities or Programs? 

Reach out to Michael Wiitala, Philosophy Program Advisor, at m.wiitala@csuohio.edu.