Students who choose to major in Philosophy learn to reason clearly and carefully, using logic to construct arguments through speech and writing. By learning to think critically and creatively, philosophy majors explore possibilities beyond the general practices.
Philosophy Undergraduate Degrees
Philosophy Undergraduate Degrees
Explore Fundamental Questions to Better Understand the World With a Philosophy Major
A major in philosophy introduces students to a wide range of substantive and theoretical topics that have been the subject in the Western intellectual tradition beginning in 585 B.C. and continuing right through to the 21st century. These topics include such broad and enduring questions as:
- What is the right way for human beings to live their lives?
- What is the ultimate structure of reality as we encounter it?
- What is human knowledge and how do we come to have it? Can other sorts of beings have anything like knowledge in the same sense that we have it?
- Is there a God, and, if so, what are the properties that God has?
- What is the nature and structure of scientific inquiry?
- What are the fundamental components of rational thought and practical reasoning?
These questions have intrigued generation after generation, and they continue to fascinate the thoughtful and well-educated person, even though many of these questions appear to be very difficult, if not outright impossible to answer. Indeed, part of the beauty of philosophy is the discovery that rational inquiry is not always intended to find specific answers to specific questions, but is rather a process of intellectual growth and development that is available to anyone with a sufficient degree of intellectual curiosity.
A major in philosophy, therefore, not only teaches the student about his or her own intellectual tradition, but it also prepares him or her to become an active and productive member of that tradition, ready to make his or her own contribution to the process of searching for answers to timeless questions.
Choose What You Want to Learn
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Philosophy Pre-Law Major B.A.
Students in the Philosophy Pre-Law Major learn to use philosophy to understand the logic and ethical assumptions behind the law. Students in this program are well prepared for law school and the practice of law.
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Philosophy Pre-Theology Major B.A.
Students typically choose the Philosophy Pre-Theology Major B.A. because of its analytical and deeply reflective character as an academic discipline. Students in the major receive the direction, guidance and preparation needed to pursue graduate work in theology.
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Honors Tutorial College Philosophy B.A.
The Honors Tutorial College offers a B.A. in Philosophy that provides unique opportunities for exceptional students. At the heart of the program is the tutorial, in which the student studies selected material under the guidance of a faculty member acting as tutor.
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Philosophy Minor
A philosophy minor enhances the skills a student can bring to any program of study or career in which critical thinking, clarity of expressions and values clarification are prized.
Undergraduate Advising and Student Affairs
Ohio University gives you tools to ensure you succeed, ranging from success advisors and department mentors who help you graduate on time to undergraduate-specific scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Undergraduate students should contact Undergraduate Advising and Student Affairs for advising support, such as: class registration, adding and dropping classes, changing majors, adding minors and certificates, Guarantee+ and graduation checks.
Get Hands-On Experience
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Research Opportunities
Undergraduate and graduate Philosophy students have the opportunity to engage in original research through independent projects, coursework and thesis projects supervised by faculty members.
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Present Your Research at the Student Expo
You can choose to present your research — and create a research poster describing your work — a the annual Ohio University Student Expo.
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Complete an Internship
One of the best ways for students to prepare for the work world and earn credit is to complete an internship or engage in service learning.
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Study Abroad
Some majors consider traveling abroad for a semester, spring break, or during the summer. Many programs include content that can transfer back for credit in the major.
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Join a Student Organization
Connect with like-minded individuals and enrich your academic experience by joining a Classics & Religious Studies-focused student club or organization.