Philosophy Department Undergraduate Studies

Classroom shot of row of studentsThe Philosophic Quest
Philosophy is not merely a discipline for stuffy academics. It is a quest for meaning, truth, and value. On this quest, philosophers reason critically, proposing answers to life’s biggest questions and questioning unsatisfactory answers.

If you wrestle with questions about reality, morality, knowledge, reason, or life’s meaning; if you want to join a community of thinkers (both past and present) who have struggled with your very questions; and if you are willing to be stretched intellectually and personally, join us on this quest.

Philosophy at Fordham
Faculty members at Fordham represent a wide variety of philosophical schools, areas, and historical interests. You will benefit from faculty diversity and receive an uncommonly well-rounded philosophical education. In keeping with Fordham’s commitment to cura personalis - educating the whole person - all students at Fordham University are required to take two courses in the philosophy department: Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 1000) and Philosophical Ethics (PHIL 3000). Students who become interested in philosophy after taking these courses should check out our major and minor programs.

What can I do with a degree in philosophy?
Think philosophy is impractical? Think again! Philosophy students are successful in a wide variety of careers due to their excellent critical thinking skills. In law and political science, for example, philosophy majors thrive. The average LSAT score for philosophy majors is the highest for all majors, and philosophy majors enjoy the highest rate of admittance into law school.

Philosophy majors also succeed in business. The average GMAT score for philosophy majors is the highest of any humanities-based discipline, and the benefits of a philosophy education in the world of business are well documented. If you still need to be convinced, take a look at these famous executives who majored in philosophy.

Grad school hopefuls will be pleased to hear that philosophy majors excel on the GRE. On average, those who declare philosophy as their intended graduate major (most of whom are undergraduate philosophy majors) score highest on the Verbal and Analytic sections of the GRE and higher than all other humanities-based majors on the Quantitative section.

Finally, philosophy majors are well suited for many other fields, including journalism, publishing, and ministry. For more on careers for philosophers, see Prof. Brian Frances’ Prezi presentation.

Given philosophy majors’ stellar test performances, exceptional rates of acceptance into graduate and professional programs, and success in a wide variety of careers, it’s no wonder that students are flocking to philosophy in greater numbers. Perhaps philosophy really is “the most practical major.”