College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
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Philosophy

Welcome, current and future Cyclones!

Have you ever wondered whether we have free will, whether a particular action is ethical, or what genuine justice would look like? Have you ever wondered whether we really can know anything for certain, or when you have enough evidence to show that something is true? If you have, then you are already interested in philosophy.

Philosophy tries to make sense of human experience and reality through critical reflection and argument. Students in philosophy classes will be exposed to arguments on both sides of such questions, and they will be encouraged to develop and rationally defend their own positions.

General requirements

In addition to general education course requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS), all Philosophy majors must complete at least 33 credits of additional coursework, with a minimum of 120 total credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 3000/4000 level, required for graduation. The philosophy major has a structured program to help you graduate on time while following your interests. Philosophy majors are required to take PHIL 2070 as well as one course on ethical theory, two courses in the history of Philosophy, and one course on metaphysics/epistemology. Additional courses allow you to design your own unique program of study by taking courses that spark your interest.

Why study philosophy?

Critical thinking and communication skills are in high demand in the workforce. When employers and business leaders are asked to identify the skills that they wish more students had when graduating from university, critical thinking and oral and written communication skills are at the top of the list.

The study of philosophy places equal importance on analytical reasoning skills and effective communication skills. Logic and argumentation are central tools of philosophical thinking and are taught in specialized courses within philosophy departments. Students are required to pay close attention to subtleties of language and meaning, and to express often complex ideas clearly and effectively.

This unique combination of analytic reasoning and language skills is reflected in the fact that philosophy majors, on average, perform better than any other major on professional and graduate school admission tests that are required for admission to law school, medical school, business administration programs, and graduate school.

When comparing mid-career salaries of graduates who only have an undergraduate degree, philosophy majors earn more than majors in biology, chemistry, geography, anthropology, and psychology. They earn more than journalism, marketing, and accounting majors. They even earn more than architecture majors.

This may be surprising, but recall what employers are looking for. Critical thinking, communication and analytic problem-solving skills are very much in demand, and philosophy graduates are better than average in these areas. Philosophy graduates are also good at high-level reasoning involving general principles, and this whole set of skills becomes more important, and less common, as you move up the administrative ranks in an organization. These basic thinking and communication skills confer an increasing competitive advantage as you move up the job ladder.

When you study philosophy you’ll learn about the most influential views on the deepest questions that matter to us: views about the ultimate nature of reality, the nature and origins of knowledge, the relationship of the mind to the brain, the foundations of ethics and morality, the role of the state in political life, and much more. These are important questions, and for many people their study is intrinsically rewarding.

Philosophy majors have the privilege of studying with like-minded students and learning from experts who have devoted their professional lives to these questions. It is a unique educational opportunity that can transform how students view themselves and the world around them.

If you’re still worried about the practical benefits of majoring in philosophy, you should consider the advantages of a double major. When you combine the fundamental thinking and communication skills you develop in a philosophy degree, with the disciplinary specialization you receive from a second degree in the arts, sciences, business, law, or other vocational program, the result is a powerful combination that leverages the strengths of both degrees and distinguishes you from graduates with just one of these degrees.

Philosophy encourages you to take a deep look at your life. It forces you to confront and consider the things you value, that you wish were different, and that you may wish to improve.

Graham Bacon, ’18 philisophy and religious studies

Minors

Philosophy Minor

The philosophy minor is a perfect addition to your degree at Iowa State. Learn analytical reasoning skills, how to effectively communicate, critical thinking, and language skills. You can tailor your major to fit your needs with a wide variety of offered courses!

  • Learn how to think deeply: Engage with fundamental ideas that will challenge you to become a more independent thinker and teach you how to communicate effectively with others.
  • Use your brain to fund your bank: Those who study philosophy score high on the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT. Skills learned in the minor will help you find better jobs.
  • Interesting and rewarding: Study life’s most interesting questions alongside a committed team of faculty and students.
  • Short and sweet: with only a 15 credit requirement, this minor will teach you skills that you can use in all other areas of your life.

This minor provides you with flexibility! The minor requires 15 credits, 9 of which must be at the 3000+ level. 9 of these credits may not be used to reach any other department, college, or university requirement. See the Philosophy Minor in the ISU catalog for the detailed program requirements, or talk to an advisor.

Ethics Minor

The Ethics Minor is the perfect minor to pair with any major! Learn about values and how to apply theories of ethics to make decisions in different fields of practice. You can choose from a wide range of courses relevant to your interests and career plans.

  • Infuse your studies with ethics: Study what is meaningful to you and learn how to think about ethical issues that come up in your major.
  • Develop your communication and critical thinking skills: Sharpen your reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Learn to communicate your ideas effectively, and to engage in constructive dialogue about complex issues. These skills are vital for careers in science, engineering, business, medicine, law, education, and more.
  • Make a difference in the world: 15 credits to explore how you can help contribute to solving societal, professional, and personal challenges of today.

The minor provides flexibility to study what matters to you. To start your minor, first choose a foundational ethics course, either PHIL 2300 or PHIL 3300. Next, select 2 additional courses from a list of more than 10 core ethics courses. Finally, choose 2 ethics electives, offered by departments across ISU, to complement your major and your interests! See the Ethics Minor in the ISU catalog for the detailed program requirements, or talk to an advisor.

Connections and experiences

trieste
ISU students study abroad in Trieste, Italy.

Iowa State is home to many other different clubs and organizations, many of which are available to students in any major. Visit the ISU Student Organizations website to find something that interests you!

LAS Study Abroad provides international study, work, and service opportunities for all Iowa State students. Through their partnerships, they provide short-term, semester-length, and academic year programs abroad.

Think you have the next big idea? The Start Something LAS Academy, part of the ISU Start Something network, provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. As an academy member you’ll build community with other innovators as you become a changemaker for the world around you.

Take the next step

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