Overview

At EIU we believe that the study of philosophy is not only deeply beneficial but also enjoyable. Because philosophy is unlike any other field, both in its methods and in the vastness of its subject matter, philosophy majors have a unique opportunity to learn to think both creatively and critically at EIU. Our faculty provides a supportive atmosphere in which students understand the commitment involved in taking a view. Philosophy majors at EIU study the tools of logic and reason, which open the door to profound discussions about every dimension of human life. As students critically engage with questions pertaining to knowledge, values, and ethics, they build lifelong learning skills for evaluating arguments, fostering healthy debate, and resolving conflict.

 

As we examine what we know and how we know it in our curriculum, philosophy students learn to analyze many facets of human existence, from the mind to the body, from politics to religion, from science to language. Philosophy majors thus obtain techniques for problem-solving in any field of study or endeavor. With the ability to distinguish good reasoning from bad reasoning, philosophy majors build excellent analytical, speaking and writing skills as they develop their own views. This ability to analyze and communicate becomes a foundation for future leadership and potential engagement within various fields.

 

At EIU, we encourage our students to align their interest in philosophy with a complementary area of study. Many of our students choose to pair their B.A. in Philosophy with a second field of study, thus qualifying them for a broad range of professions. We mentor our philosophy students to create a path of study that distinctively matches their career goals. Interdisciplinary minors in Pre-Law, Neuroscience, Criminology, Medieval Studies and Asian Studies give students an edge on opportunities that require knowledge from another field. Or pair your study in philosophy with a professional focus in business or technical writing, to name just a couple of suggestions.

 

Students who are interested in religious studies can establish an interdisciplinary major built on the unique foundation of philosophy. The B.A. in Philosophy with Integrative Studies concentration also allows students the flexibility to incorporate a range of religion courses in the humanities and social sciences into the degree.

 

EIU also offers minors in both Philosophy and Religious Studies.  

Degree: BA

Completion time: 30/39 Credit Hours

Accreditation: N/A

Resources

- Degree Plan
- Program Information in EIU Catalog

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