Professors and students in discussion

Philosophy

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Study philosophy at Fordham

About the philosophy major

At Fordham, philosophy has been at the center of our liberal arts education since 1841. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of human nature and build the timeless tools you need to pursue a life of responsible leadership and service.

You’ll gain a solid foundation in contemporary philosophy, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion. Learn to think critically and question unchecked assumptions. And develop the analytical skills and powers of persuasion that employers and graduate schools seek in their future leaders.

Our graduates go on to …

  • prestigious graduate and PhD programs
  • fundraising and nonprofit work
  • careers in law, medicine, public policy, ministry, and more

Visit the philosophy department page 

Philosophy student presents her research at a poster session

Philosophy program profile

  • Rose Hill CampusMajor
    Rose Hill
  • Rose Hill CampusMinor
    Rose Hill
  • Lincoln Center CampusMajor
    Lincoln Center
  • Lincoln Center CampusMinor
    Lincoln Center

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Program at a glance

92%

of philosophy graduates in the past five years were employed, continuing their education, or engaged in public service or other meaningful endeavors within six months of graduation

33%

of philosophy graduates in the past five years have pursued advanced degrees

5

years to attain both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in philosophy through Fordham’s early admission MA program

Legal and Law Enforcement, Higher Education, Healthcare, Financial Services, and Government

industries where the greatest number of philosophy majors find jobs and internships at places like Healthfirst, Icahn School of Medicine, UBS, and more

Sapientia et Doctrina

A journal just for undergraduate philosphy majors to publish their work

10+

philosophy workshops and reading groups for students to collaborate with scholars and study topics like early modern philosophy, Francophone philosophy, minorities and philosophy, and more

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Make an impact

Jackson Saunders, a Fordham senior and physics major conducting cutting-edge summer research into acoustics

Acoustics Research Fuels Passion                    

With support from a Fordham grant, Jackson Saunders used his critical thinking skills to conduct cutting-edge acoustics research that could change the ways sounds are directed and controlled. Learn about the path that led him to this project.

Professor Stephen Grimm lecturing

AI vs. Human Consciousness                    

Philosophy students are tackling big questions about AI, exploring whether technology can truly replicate human creativity and consciousness. Explore their findings about what makes us uniquely human.

Lauren Kopajtic at her desk

What’s on My Desk?                    

Step inside the office of professor Lauren Kopajtic to discover her unique collection of philosophy-themed Barbies, custom artwork, and other meaningful trinkets.

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Philosophy program FAQ

  • Here, you’ll learn by doing. With hands-on opportunities in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities, you’ll gain the skills and experiences employers seek. And in addition to the big-city energy of New York, you’ll have a tight-knit, supportive campus community, eager for you to thrive.

    Philosophy has been a critical part of Fordham’s curriculum for more than 150 years and is taught by faculty internationally recognized for their scholarship. Our program is rooted in Jesuit tradition and dedicated to helping you become a “contemplative in action”—an insightful, compassionate thinker and engaged citizen.

  • Beyond the fundamentals of the intellectual and moral traditions of civilization, you might dive into specific areas with courses like Problem of Evil, where you’ll explore how humans have grappled with devastating and unfair challenges, or Philosophy of Technology, where you’ll examine the ways technology is transforming our relationships to ourselves, each other, and the world.

  • With NYC as your college town, you’ll have access to industry leaders across multiple fields driven by philosophy, from nonprofit organizations to government agencies. As a vibrant hub for multiculturalism, academic discourse, and public discussion, there’s no better place to earn your degree.

    You’ll also have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our 100+ programs across more than 50 countries.

  • You’ll be prepared for careers in fields as varied as education, public policy, business management, journalism, and public relations, to name a few. Our graduates also go on to earn prestigious fellowships and attend law and medical school.

  • At Fordham, you’ll use AI as a tool to enhance your learning. Our program will equip you with the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI in the workforce. As a philosophy major, you can take courses like Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence or The Epistemology and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, where you’ll explore ways to prevent harmful social impacts of AI and examine the morality and ethics behind its use.

    You’ll also be able to earn credentials and paid micro-internships through IBM SkillsBuild’s Getting Started with AI course. All Fordham students and graduates have access to AI training through RamConnect, the University’s alumni and experiential learning platform.

    Above all, you’ll learn skills that can’t be replaced by AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and integrity.

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