Philosophy, Minor

Program Description

Many students find that their studies in their major field can be profitably supplemented by pursuing their studies in philosophy. The Philosophy minor is designed for students who desire a significant background in philosophy while majoring in a different field. Students from many disciplines pursue the Philosophy minor, including English, History, Physics, Mathematics, Management Studies, and so on. Declaring a minor in Philosophy will allow you to continue your philosophy studies throughout your degree, and you will receive a certificate in Philosophy when you graduate.

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is the oldest of the liberal arts, and is often defined simply as the love of wisdom. Philosophy is at the core of the liberal arts tradition and provided the foundation for the modern university, yet it remains highly relevant to life in technologically complex, diverse, global, information driven societies such as our own. The Philosophy major provides in-depth study of fundamental issues that inescapably confront all persons, such as ethics, social and political philosophy, aesthetics, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, epistemology, philosophy of science, and logic. The Philosophy minor is designed for students who desire a significant background in Philosophy while majoring in a different field. Students from many disciplines pursue Philosophy minors, including English, History, Physics, Mathematics, Management Studies, and others.

You Might Like This Program If...

• You want to gain a significant background in Philosophy while majoring in a different field.
• You want to develop critical thinking skills, including constructing, interpreting, and critically analyzing philosophical arguments.
• You want to acquire intellectual abilities crucial for self-fulfillment, responsible participation in public life, and success in a wide range of careers.
• You have enthusiasm for inquiry and want engage in philosophical discussions about ethics, social and political philosophy, metaphysics, and aesthetics.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
http://starfish.psu.edu
http://www.la.psu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-students/education/majors-and-minors

Abington

Pierce Salguero
Associate Professor of Asian History and Religious Studies
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salguero@psu.edu

Career Paths

Careers

Philosophy students learn the kinds of critical, interpretive, analytical, and argumentative skills highly prized by employers in a wide variety of fields, including publishing, non-profit work, consulting, information technology, law, business, education, journalism, medicine, and public service.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES WITH A MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Philosophy students score consistently higher than other majors on LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT exams. The study of philosophy provides students with an outstanding preparation for law school, medical school, and other advanced degrees.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
234 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-6397
npr109@psu.edu

http://philosophy.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/minor

Abington

DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salguero@psu.edu