West Virginia University

 

Philosophy

The Philosophy Department’s blog, The Question, challenges visitors to ponder the deep questions of life, like “What is love?” and “Is winning everything?” You're invited to join in the discussions!

Most students arrive at college without any previous experience with philosophy, which is a shame because philosophy challenges students to think deeply and critically about fundamental questions, such as:

What do we know and how do we know it? 
What is the nature of the human mind and self?
What is morally right and how should we live?
What is the ideal form of government?
What is the ultimate nature of reality?

WVU philosophy majors can study ethics, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, the theory of knowledge, the history of philosophy, philosophy of science, logic, philosophy of mind, continental philosophy, biomedical ethics, social and political philosophy, and philosophy of law.

All students receive extensive training in critical thinking and writing clearly, skills highly valued by employers and graduate programs.
 

Facts

• WVU offers both a major and a minor in philosophy.
• A Pre-Law Area of Emphasis within the philosophy major is specifically designed for students preparing for law school. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, philosophy majors consistently outscore other majors on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
• With approximately 50 majors and pre-majors in the program, students get plenty of individual attention from their advisors and in their classes.

What can I do with this major?

Thinking reflectively about things that really matter is a skill that transfers to a wide variety of careers. A philosophy major is excellent preparation for graduate or professional school, such as law school, or easily can be combined with another major or a minor to create training customized to your interests.

Here are some of the careers pursued by our graduates:

• Accountant
• Attorney
• Entrepreneur
• Legal Consultant
• High School Teacher
• College Teacher of Philosophy
• Professional Dancer
• Psychiatrist
• Systems Analyst
• Vice President of a Software Company

Ninety-two percent of recent WVU philosophy graduates have gained admission to graduate or professional schools, including University of California at Berkeley, Yale University, Harvard University, Cambridge University, University of Herfordshire, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Emory University, Arizona State University, University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, Tulane University, and West Virginia University.

What classes will I take?

A major in philosophy requires 30 credits of philosophy courses, such as Current Moral Problems, History of Ancient Philosophy, Introduction to Critical Reasoning, Health Care Ethics, Introduction to Symbolic Logic, Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Theory, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Law, and Theory of Knowledge.

All philosophy majors must complete either an intensive junior/senior seminar or write a senior thesis.

What departmental organizations can I join?

The Philosophy Club is open to majors, minors, and any other student interested in philosophy. The group has informal meetings and sponsors a range of extracurricular activities, such as guest speakers and discussion groups.

How do I find out more?

Check out these Web sites:

• Department of Philosophy Home Page
• Philosophy Alumni Interviews
• The Question - The Department's blog that challenge visitors to ponder the deep questions of life. Feel free to join in the discussions!

Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of WVU Department of Philosophy and Cody Ford, WVU Honors College.

 

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