Smiling student

Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts

Request Information

Loading...

Philosophy Degree Program Overview

Philosophy investigates the big questions: What is there, what do we know, and how should we live?

Purdue University Northwest’s philosophy degree program helps you develop a variety of skills that contribute to professional success, engaged citizenship and a well-rounded life. These include analytical thinking, abstract reasoning and creative problem solving – competencies universally sought by employers of all kinds.

Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

As a Philosophy major, you’ll be part of a vibrant intellectual community that prioritizes discussion-based learning.

Given its high faculty-to-student ratio, our students work closely with award-winning faculty who are internationally recognized in the fields of applied ethics, ethical theory, existentialism, phenomenology, aesthetics and the history of philosophy.

Philosophy Major Curriculum

You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses and philosophy courses. This expansive curriculum is focused on core texts and topics in the analytic, continental and Eastern philosophical traditions.

We feature special courses designed to explore topics of contemporary significance, such as popular culture, social justice, healthcare issues and environmental concerns.

Begin your program with foundational courses like Human Experience in Art, Literature, Music, and Philosophy or Big Questions: Introduction to Philosophy.

Philosophy Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • ENGL 10400 – English Composition I
  • SOC 10000 – Introductory Sociology
  • COM 11400 – Fundamentals Of Speech Communication

Tackle logic and ethics in your second year with an introductory logic class and either Ethics or Ethics for the Professions.

Philosophy Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • PHIL 10100
  • PHIL 11000
  • PHIL 12000

Explore metaphysics and epistemology with philosophy of religion and philosophy of science courses. You’ll also begin studying the history of the field with a class on ancient philosophy.

Philosophy Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • PSY 12000 – Elementary Psychology

Your final year expands to include more history of philosophy courses. Conclude your studies with two advanced specialized topics in philosophy.

Philosophy Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • PHIL 30300
  • PHIL 30600
  • PHIL 49000

Philosophy Degree Program Highlights

Our faculty members have earned international recognition for their work in the subject areas that come together under this major. They have produced 18 scholarly books, 125 peer-reviewed published articles and over 200 conference presentations.

They also are passionate teachers that offer you plenty of opportunities for mentorship and research.

A lion statute with a brick wall and windows in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Philosophy Degree Program Outcomes

Logical, verbal and conceptual skills central to the discipline help philosophy majors earn the highest mid-career salaries of all non-STEM majors.

Every student who has worked with PNW philosophy faculty on graduate school applications has been accepted into one of his/her desired programs, whether in philosophy, law, theology or psychology.

Philosophy Degree Program Career Paths

Philosophy majors find diverse career opportunities in fields such as:

  • Law
  • Education
  • Business

Philosophy Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

We know that learning happens everywhere, so we encourage you to get involved with activities like:

  • Philosophy Club
  • Symphony of Reason, a student philosophy journal
  • Philosophy Matters Talk Series

See All Student Organizations

Philosophy Degree Program Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:

  • Mountain Park Health Center
  • University of Dayton
  • One Step Beyond Inc.

Philosophy Degree Program Scholarships

There are multiple funding opportunities available to students in this program, including:

  • Howard Cohen Philosophy Scholarship

See All CHESS Scholarships

Erica Nichols

My learning opportunities afforded to me in PNW's kind and welcoming environment have carried me well through graduate school, all the way to finishing my dissertation, acquiring a Ph.D. in Philosophy and becoming an assistant professor. The second family that this philosophy department gave me motivated me to become patient, inquisitive, and diligent -- all of which improved my quality of life outside the classroom as well.

Erica Nichols, Philosophy

John Schlatter

My degree has given me a solid foundation upon which I have built a stable career in the public workforce system and has enabled me to excel as I pursue my Juris Doctorate in law school. The breadth and depth of my philosophical education has helped me find success in areas of significant expertise even beyond my colleagues who specialized in that area.

John Schlatter, Philosophy, ’19

Meet the Faculty

Sam Zinaich is pictured.

Samuel Zinaich, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

My Name is Samuel Zinaich, Jr. My students call me Dr. Z (at least to my face). I teach ethics and when possible, ancient and modern philosophy. I love teaching and I add a lot of humor to my lectures

Renee Conroy

Renee M. Conroy, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Renee M. Conroy is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Fulbright Scholar. Her research addresses issues in the philosophy of art focused on dance, literature, film, and encounters with the pa

A student sits on a couch and smiles. There is a laptop and notebook on the couch next to them and many students sitting and walking around in the background of the photo

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy at PNW

Purdue University Northwest’s philosophy degree program will prepare you for analytical thinking, abstract reasoning, and creative problem-solving, abilities useful in every career.

To see how a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from PNW opens doors, from classrooms to court rooms, take the next step today!

Request Info