From Aristotle to Descartes to Nietzsche, the great philosophers have contributed to the way we think, believe and view the world.
When you study philosophy, you build knowledge and skills that can be applied in nearly every endeavor. You will become adept at problem solving, and acquire the ability to express your thoughts and communicate effectively. You will learn the art of effective argumentation and improve your research and writing skills. In short, you’ll acquire abilities that will serve you well your entire life.
Philosophy majors find careers in law, the arts, management, marketing, teaching, government services, health professions, business and journalism. The abilities you’ll develop as you study in this major set you apart and make you valuable to employers. In addition, you’ll discover that exploring and wrestling with questions that have occupied humankind since its beginning are some of the most rewarding endeavors you will ever encounter.
Careers in Philosophy
Philosophy is a versatile major that can prepare you for a variety of exciting careers. You might be interested in writing, law, consulting or counseling. Perhaps you’re thinking about a career in public service, or would like to direct communication for business and political leaders. Graduates have gone on to serve as diplomats, authors, professors, lobbyists, researchers and journalists.
Philosophy majors may work for religious institutions, in business and industry, for non-profit organizations and as entrepreneurs. The skills and qualities you develop as a philosophy major can qualify you for a number of positions, as employers value strong critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
Earning a philosophy degree at Alvernia can also prepare you for graduate school, including law school. Graduates have pursued advanced degrees at institutions such as Villanova University and Temple University.
For more information about the study of philosophy in general, including what types of jobs are available for graduates, go to the American Philosophical Association website at www.apaonline.org.
- Curriculum
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All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to complete a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
At Alvernia, you can study philosophy as a major or a minor. The focus of the philosophy program is to engage you in questioning all areas of existence and preparing you to lead an examined life. Philosophy majors must complete 330 credits in the major. Students who minor in philosophy are required to complete any 18 credits in philosophy.
Required courses for philosophy majors are:
- PHI 105: Introduction to Philosophy
- PHI 230: Introduction to Logic
- PHI 480: Capstone
Choose two from:
- PHI 351: Ancient Philosophy
- PHI 352: Medieval Philosophy
- PHI 353: Modern Philosophy
- PHI 354: Contemporary Philosophy
Philosophy majors must take an additional 15 elective credits in philosophy, of which at least three (15 credits) are 400 level credits. Electives include:
- PHI 200: Introduction to Ethics
- PHI 205: Topics in Ethics
- PHI 206: Biomedical Ethics
- PHI 207: Ethics and Community Engagement
- PHI 208: Ethics and Technology
- PHI 210: Professional Ethics
- PHI 215: Environmental Philosophy
- PHI 220: Ethics and Law
- PHI 235: Existentialism
- PHI 240: Philosophy of Art and Beauty
- PHI 245: Eastern Philosophy and Reilgion
- PHI 250: Feminist and Gender Theory
- PHI 310: Metaphysics
- PHI 332: Minds, Brains, and Computers
- PHI 335: Philosophy of Love and Friendship
- PHI 345: Problems of Philosophy
- PHI 354: Topics in Contemporary Philosophy
- PHI 420: Social and Political Philosophy
- PHI 440: Great Thinkers
- Experiential Learning
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Through internships, students have opportunities to apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom in a variety of professional settings. In addition to providing exposure to the activities and expectations of a real-world workplace, internship experiences help students develop their network of professional contacts.
- Tuition
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To determine the cost of this program, please visit our Tuition page. For a personalized estimate, please contact an admissions counselor at 610-790-8269 or at admissions@alvernia.edu.
- Financial Aid
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Alvernia offers loan, grants, scholarships, and payment plans. Our admissions counselors can help you identify the aid that is available to you and for your program. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
- Accreditation
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All programs offered by Alvernia University are approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Learn More
For more information about Alvernia’s Philosophy Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu, or reach out directly to:
Corey Harris, Ph.D.
Chair of the Humanities
Francis Hall Room 245
610-796-1922
