Interest in studying philosophy begins with the desire to engage life’s greatest questions: finding the meaning of human existence, making sense of reality and our place in the cosmos, giving systematic form to our ethical and political intuitions, explaining the history of human ideas, and other equally significant problems. Often students wonder how the study of philosophy can provide the foundation for successful and meaningful employment. Contrary to popular belief, a philosophy major is one of the best preparations possible for careers in a large number of different areas. An article in the London Times rightly called philosophy the "ultimate 'transferable work skill'" insofar as it prepares students for a wide array of practical services. As a group, philosophy majors consistently score at or near the top on standardized tests, gain employment on graduation at higher than average rates, rank highly in median mid-career salary, and enjoy a well-earned reputation for rigorous thinking. In fact, the Association of American Colleges and Universities tells students, “[y]our specific choice of major matters far less than the knowledge and skills you gain through all your studies and experiences in college. In terms of jobs, employers don’t hire majors. They hire individuals with potential to succeed over the long term and add value to their companies or organizations.” The study of philosophy, one of the oldest and most rigorous disciplines, provides students with critical thinking, writing, and arguing skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive working environments.
Total Program Credits: 18
Matriculation Requirements: | |||
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Discipline Core Requirements: | 18 Credits | ||
Complete one of the following: | 3 | ||
PHIL 2110 | Ancient Greek Philosophy (3.0) | ||
or | PHIL 2150 | Early Modern Philosophy (3.0) | |
Complete 15 additional credit hours of philosophy courses (9 credit hours must be 3000 level or above; no more than 6 credit hours may be at the 1000 level; Philosophy 2050 does not count for this requirement.) | 15 |
This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.
Milestone courses (pre-requisites for a course in one of the subsequent semesters) are marked in red and italicized.
Semester 3 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
PHIL 2110* | Ancient Greek Philosophy (Fall) | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *Pre-requisites are required. Please see the advisor. | ||
Semester 4 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
*PHIL 3000+ | Upper-division Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *see advisor to discuss best option | ||
Semester 5 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
*PHIL 3000+ | Upper-division Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *see advisor to discuss best option | ||
Semester 6 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
*PHIL 3000+ | Upper-division Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *see advisor to discuss best option | ||
Semester 7 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
*PHIL 3000+ | Upper-division Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *see advisor to discuss best option | ||
Semester 8 | Course Title | Credit Hours |
*PHIL 3000+ | Upper-division Philosophy Elective | 3 |
Semester total: | 3 | |
Note: *see advisor to discuss best option | ||
Degree total: | 18 |
Name: |
Philosophy & Humanities |
Location: |
CB 507 (PHIL) & CB 211 (HUM) |
Telephone: |
801-863-8352 & 801-863-6284 |
Email: |
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Web Address: |
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Chair: |
Mission Statement
The UVU Philosophy and Humanities Department is committed to the idea that logic and critical thinking are the core of all academic disciplines. The department engages in the critical study of the intellectual and creative underpinnings of the liberal arts curriculum. The humanities reflect on and interact with those creative enterprises that make us most human: art, architecture, music, and poetry. Philosophy engages theoretical and practical questions about reality and human experience in the life-long pursuit of truth and understanding.
In keeping with the democratic ideal of an educated citizenship, the department aims to provide the highest quality educational experience to prepare students for an increasingly complex and intellectually demanding society. The free exploration of ideas will expose students to a variety of perspectives on important issues; the critical examination of those ideas will impart the skills of reflection and decision-making.
The department seeks to develop in its students a set of skills and knowledge that is useful for all forms of reflection and investigation, relevant and transferable to myriad professions, and promoting of lifelong learning and inter-cultural awareness. The department focuses on the following: developing the practical skills of critical analysis and problem solving, and the reflection on one’s own ethics, values and beliefs; developing the skills of communication, through effective speech and clear, rigorous writing; imparting a wide variety of content, including knowledge of the history of philosophy and the humanities, an appreciation and understanding of human diversity, and a connection of these topics to practical life; imparting the basic values of the liberal arts, including self-reflectiveness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity.
Philosophy & Humanities
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Coordinator, Religious Studies
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
Department Chair
Department: Integrated Studies
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
Department Chair, Faculty
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Coordinator, Chinese Studies
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Coordinator, Peace and Justice Studies
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Interdisciplinary Studies Program
Coordinator, Classical Studies
Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Department: Philosophy & Humanities
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Careers: | ||
Students pursuing advanced degrees in Philosophy, including a PhD, will likely be
looking for tenure-track teaching positions at colleges and universities. Most Philosophy
students will go on to graduate school, but not just in Philosophy. Philosophy majors,
for example, are the highest average scoring group on the LSAT, GMAT, and GRE. Studying
Philosophy develops high-demand skills, like complex critical thinking and problem
solving. Therefore, Philosophy graduates can also consider themselves well-prepared
for a long list of careers and fields, such as: Law Advertising Higher Education Computer Sciences Human Resources Journalism Research Management Medicine Ethics Officers Public Policy Government Public Relations Publishing Religion & Ministry Non-profit/NGOs Grant Writing/Fundraising Finance |
Follow the links below to view current, detailed Utah Department of Workforce Services occupational information for that career.