Accreditation
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Philosophy (BA)
Description
The University offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in philosophy.
Students who are interested in a variety of topics and enjoy considering the basic questions of existence will benefit from the formal study of philosophy at Indiana State University. A study of philosophy provides students with an awareness of basic assumptions, an appreciation of ethical reasoning, and the power of logical processes, abilities that are valuable in every academic discipline and excellent preparation for a variety of careers.
The philosophy major requires coursework in the study of logic, ancient philosophy, and modern philosophy. Based on personal interest and career intentions, students select electives from the following areas:
- Business ethics
- Ethical theory
- Medical ethics
- Medieval philosophy
- Philosophy of law
- Philosophy of psychology
- Philosophy of religion
- Philosophy of science
- Political philosophy
Upper-level classes usually range in size from eight to 20 students, which enhances the opportunity to form close intellectual relationships with peers and professors.
With a major in philosophy, students have maximum flexibility to select a second major and pursue specialized academic interests in other areas. The faculty assist each student in developing an educational program to meet his or her goals. Students are encouraged to consider the vast array of study abroad programs available through the University.
Students have the option to work and gain experience through the program's ethics internship program. Philosophy majors who qualify can earn academic credit for working in the business community on a mutually agreed upon and beneficial area of business or medical ethics.
Required Courses
Careers
Today, philosophy majors are discovering that many careers are open to them in addition to the traditional pursuits of graduate school and teaching. Philosophy is an excellent major and a great choice for a double major in preparation for law school. Other rewarding career paths include ethics consulting in medicine or business, journalism, marketing, ministry/religion, research writing, and a variety of governmental careers.
Well-known people have chosen philosophy as their college major, including leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., President Bill Clinton, athletes such as former quarterback John Elway, and performers such as Woody Allen, Harrison Ford, Jay Leno, Susan Sarandon, and Bruce Lee.
“The Unexpected Way Philosophy Majors Are Changing the World of Business”
Philosophy “has proved itself to be not only relevant but often the cornerstone of great innovation … Some of the most successful tech entrepreneurs and innovators come from a philosophy background and put the critical thinking skills they developed to good use launching new digital services to fill needs in various domains of society. Atlantic contributor Edward Tenner even went so far as to call philosophy the ‘most practical major.’ In fact, many leaders of the tech world -- from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman to Flickr founder Stewart Butterfield -- say that studying philosophy was the secret to their success as digital entrepreneurs.”
“Want a Good Job? Major in Philosophy”
The “data suggests that we need more philosophy classes if our students’ employment futures are a prime concern. We know, for example, that philosophy students do extraordinarily well on the GRE, LSAT, and GMAT tests, showing that they are well prepared not just for further academic study but also for training in law and business. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2017 found that the net return on investment for a philosophy degree is equivalent to that of an engineering degree. Not only is philosophy education less expensive than other forms of education that lead to well-paying, respectable jobs, but philosophy graduates end up earning more over their lifetimes than graduates in any other humanities field and more than graduates of some STEM fields."
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students have many sources of financial support for their studies, including financial aid, work-study programs, veterans' benefits, and special scholarships for entering freshmen and transfer students.
In addition, the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies offers scholarships.
Further Information
Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.
Currently enrolled students should contact the following:
Dr. Namita Goswami, Philosophy Advisor
Namita.Goswami@indstate.edu
812-237-3102
The Graduate Catalog and Undergraduate Catalog of Indiana State University are the documents of authority for all students. The requirements given in the catalogs supersede information issued by any academic department, program, college, or school. The University reserves the right to change the requirements at any time.
Tools
Contact
Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions for further information and assistance.
Currently enrolled students should contact the following:
Dr. Namita Goswami, Philosophy Advisor
Namita.Goswami@indstate.edu
812-237-3102