Philosophy — “love of wisdom” — deepens our understanding of life and enhances our sense of wonder at things we may take for granted. It also helps us ask foundational questions about reality and the nature and purpose of human life. The critical thinking skills you'll develop as a philosophy major are highly sought by corporations and government agencies. Medical, professional and legal organizations value employees with the knowledge to address the complex social and ethical problems facing the world today. One major, three tracks — history of philosophy, ethics and values, and social, political and legal philosophy.
Choose a major.
Concentrate on the works of the greatest philosophers to understand the roots of our intellectual traditions with history of philosophy. Focus on the nature of law, government and culture with social, political and legal philosophy. Confront the moral questions that face us by taking courses in ethics and values.
Develop a strong base.
Through your philosophy major elective courses, you can investigate medical ethics, art and beauty, law, business ethics, human free will, and language.
Get a head start.
If you're looking to continue to graduate school, law school or medical or dental school, a philosophy major is a great way to start. You'll be challenged to think critically and quickly, to analyze a complex problem and enact a profitable solution. Philosophy students engage with employers, society and the world with a trained cognitive flexibility poised to succeed in nearly any discipline. Students at Marquette can pursue a B.A. and M.A. at the same time, finishing both in only five years.
"To beat the market, hire a philosopher."
According to The New York Times, "Philosophy is one fundamental area of study that has found a new role in the high-tech world. ... In an information-based economy, people who can think conceptually are more and more valuable."
Philosophy is practical.
Read and respond to challenging texts written throughout history. Develop the tools to analyze, develop, support and refute arguments. Express yourself clearly and concisely in speech and writing. Think through complex issues carefully and thoroughly. Marquette's philosophy major can be used in a variety of ways.
Aquinas lecture.
Encounter current philosophical research through the Philosophy Department’s annual colloquium series — the highlight of which is the annual Aquinas Lecture featuring distinguished philosophers from around the world. As a philosophy major, you'll participate in a wide variety of department activities aimed at furthering the undergraduate experience.
Some of the classes you'll take:
- Logic
- Philosophy of Human Nature
- Metaphysics or Epistemology
- Ancient Philosophy
- Early Modern Philosophy
- Medieval Philosophy
- Political Philosophy
- Philosophy and History of Crime and Punishment
- Feminist Philosophy
For a complete listing of required courses for the program in philosophy, please visit the Marquette University Online Bulletin at this link.
Many of our graduates go on to earn master's and doctoral degrees and teach philosophy at the college level. Some notable graduates teach at Providence College, Ohio University, Villanova University, St. Louis University, Fordham University — and Marquette. Other graduates work in the fields of law, medicine, political science, theology, history, literature and social work.