Philosophy is the rational investigation of fundamental problems of human life, knowledge, values and reasoning.
In order to do philosophy well, one must have a high level of reading comprehension, clarity of thought and good communication skills, both oral and written. Put simply, then, philosophy teaches one how to read, think, speak and write well. These skills are fundamental to all intellectual endeavors. It's no coincidence that some of history's greatest scientists, theologians and artists were also philosophers.
Because the study of philosophy teaches students to think logically, critically and ethically, philosophy majors are well prepared to pursue any number of challenging careers. The cognitive skills learned as a philosophy major are important in any number of professions such as:
Philosophy graduates are well prepared to seek graduate training in law, philosophy, theology, politics, computer science, social science teaching, medicine, business and other areas.
View Philosophy major requirements
Philosophy programs at USI
The University of Southern Indiana offers both a major and a minor in philosophy. The major in philosophy culminates in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Philosophy is also an excellent complementary second major or minor.
Courses in philosophy cover such topics as:
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 12 semester hours in the same foreign language or demonstration of proficiency at that level of study. The Bachelor of Arts is recommended for students considering graduate school.
Starting in the fall semester of 2014, degree requirements may have significantly changed due to the launch of the University Core 39. Students entering the University of Southern Indiana before the fall semester of 2014 may be required to complete the old University Core Curriculum. See previous versions of the USI Academic Bulletin for degree requirements for previous bulletin years.
