Departmental Website
Overview
Philosophers are notoriously curious. The Department of Philosophy at EIU invites students to investigate some of life's most meaningful questions: Does God Exist? What is the difference between the mind and the brain? Are our actions free or determined? Why should I be moral?
The diversity of our faculty allows us to offer courses in many areas including both western and nonwestern approaches. Here, students are encouraged to think creatively and critically; to challenge the views of others, and to defend their own views against a thoughtful opponent. Philosophy majors are thus well-prepared for careers that require excellent speaking and writing ability, and proficiency in problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. We offer minors in both Philosophy and Religious Studies and we participate in several interdisciplinary minors including: Pre-Law, Criminology, Medieval Studies, Neuroscience, and Asian Studies.
Hours Required
39
Departmental Honors Program
Yes
Four Year Degree Plan
http://www.eiu.edu/philos/major.php
Graduate Degree Opportunities After Graduation
N/A
Course Catalog Listing
http://catalog.eiu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=23&poid=3041
Typical Starting Positions
Students graduating with an undergraduate degree in Philosophy are well-suited for graduate school in Philosophy, law school, and other professions in areas such as journalism, business, and computers.
Philosophers, rather than being taught a specific skill, are globally acknowledged as educated individuals capable of careful analysis, persuasive argumentation, and articulate and expressive writing. The jewel of a liberal arts education, a degree in philosophy encourages lifetime learning; it represents a sincere commitment to understand the world in which we live, and our unique situation in it.
Notable Graduates
Mr. Ron Dulin, MBA, Dr. Grant Sterling, PhD, Dr. Andrea Veltman, PhD, Dr. Steve Bein, PhD, Dr. Daniel Gerling, PhD, Ms. Ericka Bree Pavey, JD, Mr. Brendan Lynch, JD, Mr. Clay Patterson, JD, Ms. Jenna Smith, JD, Mr. Justin Perry, JD, Mr. Robert Larson, JD, Mr. Erick Hockenberry, MA, Mr. Ryan McDaniel, MA, Mr. Michael Kleen, MA, Ms. Jackie Muhs, MA, Kevin Taylor, MA, Ms. Susan Haiduk, Mr. Vern Cisney