Philosophers explore questions about life on every level, from immediate ethical dilemmas to broader questions about human existence, justice, the nature of knowledge, and beauty. Philosophy majors experience a deeper understanding of the world by engaging with great texts, profound questions, and one another through conversation. Drexel University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy program equips students to actively participate in these conversations with critical thinking, dialogical skills, and experiential learning. Majors practice constructing and critiquing well-reasoned arguments, as well as writing, interpreting, and reflecting on complex texts.

Drexel’s BA in Philosophy degree prepares students for success in any field that values thoughtful reflection, logical reasoning, and effective communication on important issues. Many courses emphasize student dialogue and group projects rather than traditional lectures and information transfer. The philosophy major offers exceptional preparation for a wide range of professional careers and postgraduate study because experiential learning in philosophy fosters superior reasoning, clear communication, and analytical skills. Philosophical study is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in fields in which ethical concerns are paramount, such as medicine and law.

Student organizations, like the Drexel Philosophy Club, and the Drexel Undergraduate Mock Trial Association provide additional opportunities for gaining professional knowledge and building a peer network. Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, Philosophy majors can explore a wide range of meaningful careers in sectors such as education, government, law, media, medicine, public policy, business, science and technology.

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Program Overview

A great philosopher once said, “Philosophers have just interpreted the world; but the point is to change it.”

Drexel’s Philosophy program thrives at the intersection of theory and practice. Our students are flexible thinkers who embrace the challenge of innovative courses and collaboration across disciplines. They explore historical and thematic courses in the main areas of philosophical inquiry, including ethics, metaphysics (philosophy of reality), epistemology (philosophy of knowledge), aesthetics (philosophy of art), social and political philosophy, philosophy of science and logic.

Philosophy students at Drexel actively develop reflective, creative, rational, logical and linguistic skills as they investigate life’s questions and issues that impact the wider world.

No discipline prepares students for success in a broader range of careers than philosophy. At Drexel, students cultivate valuable reasoning, writing, reading and communication skills that are sought after by employers, as well as preparing for advanced degrees in fields as diverse as business, education, public administration, law, and medicine.

Students in the BA in Philosophy program are encouraged to consider a pursuing a complementary minor or double-major in a field of personal or career interest.

Courses offered within the BA in Philosophy degree program include:

Concentrations

Philosophy majors can opt for a general philosophy concentration, which gives them the widest range of flexibility, or select one of three concentrations:

• Ethical Theory and Practice – Examines the moral dimensions of experience and action with a focus on the aims and conduct of personal, institutional, social and international life.
• Philosophy and Law – Develops logic and argumentation skills that focus on ethical and legal issues. preparing for successful careers in areas related to law, business and government.
• Philosophy, Technology, and Science – Explores the complexity of how knowledge is produced, disseminated and used. Provides a strong foundation for advanced research and practice in many science- and technology-related fields.

Minors and Certificates

Philosophy Minor

Certificate in Ethical Theory and Practice

Certificate in Philosophy, Arts, and Humanities

Certificate in Philosophy, Science, and Technology

Experiential Learning

Drexel University and the College of Arts and Sciences offer many opportunities for motivated undergraduates to engage in research, scholarship, and creative experiences beginning as early as their first year. Philosophy students are encouraged to apply to the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars program offered by the Pennoni Honors College. STAR offers students a stipend and matches them with faculty mentors across disciplines to work on a student-designed, student-driven research project during their first summer on campus. The College of Arts and Sciences' DrexLab program promotes hands-on involvement in research and scholarly activities for any undergraduate student enrolled in a College of Arts and Sciences major or minor.

After the first year, Drexel's Office of Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs provides students with guidance and support in finding and gaining access to research experiences throughout their academic journey. These include attending and presenting at conferences, writing papers and submitting them to journals for publication, and identifying opportunities to apply for national and international fellowships.

Philosophy students eager to explore new experiences and uncharted intellectual waters may propose an Independent Study course aligned with their unique research and career interests after their sophomore year. In partnership with a faculty mentor, students develop and submit a proposal to work with the faculty member on a course of their own design.

Before the end of junior year, Drexel Philosophy students may opt to write a Senior Thesis in Philosophy; a faculty-mentored, independent research and writing project on a topic of their choice. This two-term-long project culminates in the student presenting their thesis to the program faculty and their fellow students. This experience allows the student to work closely with a faculty mentor, develop their research skills, and gain confidence in their ability to conceive a project and see it through to completion. Although it is optional, the Senior Thesis project is a fitting culmination of a successful academic career. It can also be helpful for students considering careers that involve extensive analytical research, whether in business, government, public policy, activism, the law, or academia.

Drexel Co-op

Through the renowned Drexel Co-op program, Philosophy majors can fully explore potential career paths, strengthen their résumés, and build a professional network in the process. Co-operative education options prepare philosophy students to pursue advanced education and careers across wide-ranging areas. including publishing, law, business, public policy research and administration, government, educational support, community organizing, academic research and more.

Philosophy co-ops range widely across students’ individual interests, aptitudes and career plans; for example, from shadowing an ethicist who works for a hospital’s board of institutional review, to supporting the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program as they liaison with government organizations and community groups. Philosophy students interested in pursuing careers in the law frequently find co-ops at public and private law firms and organizations that employ lawyers and law students. Philosophy students are encouraged to seek out and identify interesting and relevant co-op experiences that reflect their curiosity and help them prepare for interesting, rewarding and successful careers.

Careers

No major prepares students for success in as wide a variety of careers as philosophy. Drexel’s BA in Philosophy majors graduate with professional skills that include superior reasoning, logical analysis, strong written and verbal communication, and broad experience with research methods. Our graduates go on to meaningful and successful careers in areas such as: