Philosophy Major

The path to learning starts here

Philosophy lies at the heart of the liberal arts. It examines such fundamental human questions as the nature of knowledge, rational thought, ethics, beauty, justice, language, scientific inquiry, and the human self. Given the rigorous nature of the discipline, students of philosophy develop a mastery of analytical thinking skills and effective written and oral communication, giving them a competitive edge as they seek careers in a global marketplace.

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Top Program

Philosophy and religion majors score among the highest on the Law School Admissions Test and are often accepted to law schools at above average rates.

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In-Demand Skills

The critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills you develop in the philosophy major set you up for success in any career you pursue. 

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Career Prep

We’ll help you translate your major into the skills employers want in our Senior Seminar.

CONTACT US

Find out More About Philosophy

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Contact us directly at:

Department of Philosophy & World Religions
University of Northern Iowa
Bartlett Hall 1089
Cedar Falls, IA 50614

Phone: (319) 273-6221
Email: susan.hill@uni.edu






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Scholarship opportunities

Several scholarship opportunities are available for students in the philosophy and world religions department. The CHFA Philosophy and World Religions Scholarship offers $1,000 per year. The Robert M. Schwyhart Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides $1,500-$2,500 per year. The Mabel Haywood Scholarship offers students $250-400 per year.

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Philosophy Club

Philosophy Club works to create a space in which students of any background can come together, make friends, and build their community by collaboratively exploring questions and ideas found in philosophy through student-led discussions, activities, guest appearances from professors, and much more!

Scholarships

Careers

The ability to communicate effectively, to solve problems, to evaluate competing points of view, and to develop new approaches to life's unpredictable problems are skills important to any endeavor. These skills are in demand in today's work environment. 

Recent UNI Philosophy graduates have held the following jobs:

  • Attorney
  • Teacher
  • Accountant
  • Museum Curator
  • Psychologist 
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Courses

  • Political Philosophy

Critical investigation of contexts of engagement and responsibility of persons as members of social institutions and as participants in public discourse on policy and law.

  • Death, Sex, and the Body: Phenomenology & Foucault

Examination of phenomenology, the description of basic structures of human experience, including an examination of Michel Foucault's work on forms of power in social science and modern culture.

  • Bio-Medical Ethics: Application of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; and health policy and the provision and rationing of health care.
student in a philosophy classroom

Careers

The ability to communicate effectively, to solve problems, to evaluate competing points of view, and to develop new approaches to life's unpredictable problems are skills important to any endeavor. These skills are in demand in today's work environment. 

Recent UNI Philosophy graduates have held the following jobs:

  • Attorney
  • Teacher
  • Accountant
  • Museum Curator
  • Psychologist 
prelaw student holding a book and smiling at the camera

Courses

  • Political Philosophy

Critical investigation of contexts of engagement and responsibility of persons as members of social institutions and as participants in public discourse on policy and law.

  • Death, Sex, and the Body: Phenomenology & Foucault

Examination of phenomenology, the description of basic structures of human experience, including an examination of Michel Foucault's work on forms of power in social science and modern culture.

  • Bio-Medical Ethics: Application of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; and health policy and the provision and rationing of health care.
student in a philosophy classroom