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Philosophy

The mission of the 麻豆原创 department of Philosophy is to help students explore the fundamental human questions of finding and making meaning in our lives. By requiring that students think critically and independently and write well, we instill skills that are valued across disciplines and prepare our students for a variety of careers and graduate programs.

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Start Your Career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at 麻豆原创

Our philosophy program is streamlined to allow students to complement their studies with a second major or easily add a graduate-level certificate to their program.

The 麻豆原创 Philosophy program studies questions of being, knowledge, action and the good, and examines conceptual frameworks and practices of other disciplines such as religious studies, art, psychology, and the natural sciences.

Course Catalog

Program Information:

Major | BA

  • 30 Credit Hours

Minor

  • 21 Credit Hours

Location

  • North Manchester

Why Choose 麻豆原创 for Philosophy?

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Interdisciplinary Exploration

We encourage a rich, interdisciplinary exploration of being, knowledge, ethics, and spirituality—ideal if you’re drawn to questions of faith along with philosophy.

Personalized Mentoring

With small classes and dedicated faculty you’ll receive individualized attention and mentorship. Professors guide your critical thinking and writing skills, preparing you for careers or graduate studies.

Proven graduate outcomes

Graduates from Manchester’s philosophy program have gone on to top graduate and professional schools such as Harvard, Notre Dame, Purdue, and Cornell, to name a few.

What You Can Do with Your Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy

Policy Analyst

Researches, evaluates, and develops policy solutions for government or nonprofit organizations.

Ethics Consultant

Advises businesses or institutions on ethical practices and moral decision-making.

College Instructor

Teaches philosophy courses and fosters critical thinking in undergraduate students.

Legal Assistant

Supports attorneys with research, document drafting, and case preparation using logic.

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Average Starting Salary for Philosophy Degree Holders

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals holding a bachelor鈥檚 degree in philosophy (grouped have a median annual wage of $60,000. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings nationwide, meaning half of graduates earn more and half earn less. It鈥檚 worth noting that about 65% of degree holders are employed in jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, and many go on to earn advanced degrees. While starting salaries can vary depending on career choice (for example, postsecondary philosophy instructors have higher wage ranges, with median earnings around $79,930 to $89,680 annually), a philosophy graduate entering the workforce directly can generally expect a beginning salary close to the overall median of $60,000.

Projected growth is strong in fields like tech ethics, public policy, nonprofit leadership, and education. As society grapples with complex moral and philosophical issues鈥攕uch as artificial intelligence, climate change, and bioethics鈥攖he demand for people who can think critically and ethically is on the rise.

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How the Philosophy Program Supports Your Growth

Program Highlights

A degree in philosophy fosters:

  • Analytical Thinking
    Ability to assess complex texts and ideas critically.
  • Cultural Competence
    Understanding diverse belief systems and practices.
  • Communication Skills
    Proficiency in articulating ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Ethical Reasoning
    Navigating moral dilemmas with informed judgment.

These skills are transferable and valued across multiple professions, making philosophy graduates adaptable in a dynamic job market.

Where Philosophy Can Lead

Philosophy majors pursue a wide array of careers, such as:

  • Education
    Teaching at religious or secular institutions, curriculum development, museum or cultural education, or educational administration.
  • Nonprofit and Social Services
    Roles in community outreach, counseling, or program coordination within faith-based or secular organizations.
  • Law and Public Policy
    Positions in legal practice, advocacy, or governmental agencies, often requiring further education.
  • Healthcare and Chaplaincy
    Providing spiritual support in hospitals, military, or correctional facilities.
  • Media and Communications
    Journalism, publishing, or public relations, utilizing strong writing and analytical skills.
  • Business and Consulting
    Human resources or corporate responsibility coordinator.

Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in theology, religious studies, social work, or related fields to enhance their career prospects.

Meet the Faculty

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Philosophy Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate critical and independent thinking

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Explicate, elucidate, and evaluate philosophical arguments.

2. Develop a sense of self and of responsibility to others with respect to philosophical frameworks.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand major philosophical theories and their applications
  • Analyze the assumptions that underlie different ways of understanding the human and natural world
  • Apply philosophical frameworks to personal and social circumstances and evaluate these positions.

Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

麻豆原创 is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

麻豆原创 is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.

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