Philosophy

Philosophy, literally “the love of wisdom,” questions and interprets human experience.

What can we know? What is the good life? A major in philosophy offers you an excellent opportunity to engage in some of the great conversations throughout history as we seek meaning and consider ethical action in the world.

Build your foundation for graduate study in law, history, education, natural and social sciences, and religious studies. As a philosophy student you'll be particularly well-suited — and sought after — for professional programs in law, medicine, and business. A philosophy major lends itself as the perfect second major in complementing many of our professional programs.

Philosophy helps you build and strengthen the skills employers desperately need in an ever-evolving world: Critical thinking. Problem solving. Effective communication. But it can also invite you to grow as a reflective human being.

Philosophy Major
Prepare for your future.

Gain the skills you need to succeed in the field of your dreams. A B.A. in Philosophy leads to a diverse collection of careers in such fields as business, education, law, medicine and public service.

Curriculum

Details

Philosophy and Religious Studies Major
Two disciplines, one specialization.

Original Art by Mary Turgeon For centuries, a college education meant preparation in philosophy and theology. Now, there are many majors that students can choose from, but these two disciplines offer a breadth of knowledge that can factor into any profession.

St. Joseph's B.A. in Religious Studies and Philosophy, which is offered at the Long Island Campus, combines study of the two with a specialization in one.

Religious studies/philosophy majors must complete 36 credits in the two departments, including four specific courses in each area. An additional 9 credits must be earned in the discipline of choice and the senior thesis must be completed within that discipline. However, students who wish to combine this major with a major in another area can explore the possibility of a cross-disciplinary thesis.

Curriculum

Details

Labor, Class and Ethics Minor
Deepen your understanding of the social class.

The Labor, Class and Ethics minor is open to all students, regardless of major. It is meant to compliment existing programs of study, and may be of particular interest to students in the social sciences, history, philosophy and religious studies (from where many of the electives are drawn.)

However, students interested in composition, journalism, business and pre-law may also be interested as an understanding of the forces behind major current events, the labor market, business-labor relations and labor law will enrich existing coursework, and potentially raise the profile of such students in applying for jobs, grants, internships and/or graduate programs.

Curriculum

Details

Philosophy Minor
Build your perspective.

A minor in philosophy allows you to build your academic record by highlighting areas of interest and sustained study beyond that of your major. A minor in philosophy requires 18 credits. PHI 123 and PHI 124 are required, along with 12 additional credits chosen from the course offerings (9 must be above the 100 level).

Curriculum

Details

Women's Studies Minor
Inquire into the nature and role of gender.

Using a variety of conceptual frameworks, experiences and disciplinary approaches, the women’s studies interdisciplinary minor provides a focused study of women. Our program fosters an intellectual climate to examine cultural norms and engage in the enterprise of reframing our understanding of history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, art and other disciplines by taking into account the experiences of women. We also examine the gender roles of men.

Curriculum

Details

Philosophy Child Study Concentration
The perfect complement to your education degree.

Experiment with philosophy courses to build the foundation for your education major. Explore the comprehensive philosophy education that St. Joseph's University offers.

Curriculum

Alicia Prestia '11
Associate Attorney at Sterling Analytics

"Philosophy is perhaps the most underrated subject in terms of utility. Studying philosophy at St. Joseph's University gave me the skill set to be critical thinker."

Meet More Philosophy Alumni

“Philosophy is an adult attempt to deal with the genuinely baffling questions of childhood.”
— Gareth Matthews, Philosophy of Childhood

Successful Outcomes

Our graduates have also entered fields as diverse as business, technical writing and information technology. Philosophy courses fulfill a range of requirements in the general education core, and students are encouraged to explore philosophy courses at all levels. Some courses offer a travel component, providing students the opportunity to reflectively explore ideas in other venues.