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Philosophy
Philosophy is the active pursuit of knowledge or wisdom. The philosophy major serves a wide range of students seeking the skills and understanding of a philosophical perspective on individual areas of interest. These interests range from specific topics in biomedical or environmental ethics to highly abstract issues about knowledge, reality, religion and morality. Because of its emphasis on careful reading, conceptual analysis, and well-reasoned writing, the major provides excellent training for a variety of careers.
BGSU has an international reputation for its focus on Applied Philosophy.
Career - what can you do with a philosophy degree?
Some philosophy majors plan to teach at the college level, but most go on to practice a variety of other careers. Philosophy teaches critical and analytical reasoning skills that are useful in every profession.
Career paths
- Business
- Education
- Environmental Management
- Government
- Journalism
- Law
- Medicine
- Theology
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Internships
Students are encouraged to pursue internships in their individual areas of interest.
Curriculum
The major requires work in the various areas of philosophic study: logic, history of philosophy, normative philosophy, and metaphysics and epistemology. The Philosophy Department works with each student to develop a major to meet individual needs and interests. Students who plan to pursue careers in law, business, environmental management, or health professions may choose to include relevant courses in those disciplines. Each philosophy major completes a capstone project in their senior year in which they have the opportunity to explore a topic in depth, guided by a faculty member, and to produce a polished piece of philosophical writing that can serve as a writing sample for graduate school applications.
Sample courses
- Medical Ethics
- Environmental Ethics
- Contemporary Moral Issues
- Philosophy of Death and Dying
- Social and Political Philosophy
- Philosophy of Religion
Quality classroom experiences
Undergraduates benefit from small class sizes and exceptional access to distinguished faculty. Philosophy majors practice reasoned argumentation and critical analysis to explore the most fundamental questions concerning the nature of reality, society and humanity.
The Philosophy program is part of the Department of Philosophy in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
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Updated: 08/16/2024 10:14PM