Southern Illinois University - Major in Philosophy
Assume nothing. Major in Philosophy.
When you are thinking about a major, consider majoring in thinking!
Philosophy is a cornerstone of a classic college education. However, it may be one of the most misunderstood majors. So let’s start here – yes, you can get a job with a philosophy degree. What kind of job? Well, that’s up to you.
Philosophy is a popular major for anyone considering law school. We offer a pre-law specialization that includes LSAT preparation.
Philosophy is a versatile major. We emphasize practical applications of philosophical theories to modern problems such as the ethics of data mining, definitions of citizenship, public health and private health choices such as vaccinations, and other current issues.
At SIU, you’ll learn in small classrooms from faculty members who are tops in their fields. You’ll analyze problems and defend your conclusions in civil debate or written summaries. Philosophy also makes an excellent partner for business and other fields of study.
See what SIU can do for you
Sample Classes
- Political Philosophy
- Ethics in Media, Culture and Society
- Mystical Literature and Meditation
- Philosophy of Religion
- Existential Philosophy
- Deductive Logic
- Ancient Philosophy
- Modern Philosophy
- Philosophy and Diversity: Gender, Race and Class
“I simply can’t imagine my success without my Philosophy major at SIU… It was truly life-changing.”
-Tim Sparling, Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, Arizona, alumnus
Opportunities
- Study Abroad is a full-on experience in our program. Our Ancient Legacies study abroad options focus on Greece or Egypt in alternating years. You’ll put on a Greek play in a Dionysian theater or recreate a funeral ceremony at the pyramids that includes everything but the embalming.
- Building Bridges is a philosophy conference held at SIU. We encourage students, including freshmen, to go to professional and academic conferences, but with this one, there are no travel fees.
- Philosophical Collaborations is a speakers series featuring a philosophy professor and a philosophy graduate student (working on a master’s degree or a Ph.D.) talking on a specific topic. It’s a great way to gain a free seminar.
- Our Dewey Center is the mothership for Dewey Centers all over the world. Dewey was especially famous for his writings on democracy and education.
Student Groups
Join Philosophy Club! Watch and discuss films. Get together for civil conversations on controversial current topics such as animal rights, free will, environmentalism. Go bowling!
Check out the Liberal Arts Living Learning Community in University Housing.
