Philosophy
Philosophy combines logical reasoning and creative imagination to explore fundamental questions about the human experience and the nature of reality, developing students into independent and critical thinkers prepared to excel in any profession.
Careers in Philosophy
Philosophy majors cultivate critical thinking, lifelong learning, and a deeper engagement with the world, leading to success in diverse careers such as law, medicine, IT, business leadership, and higher education. OR Philosophy is a preferred pre-law and pre-medicine major due to its focus on developing strong analytic and critical thinking skills, which are essential in a variety of professions, including information technology, journalism, banking, counseling, non-profit leadership, real estate, law, marketing, consulting, and business leadership.- Professor
- Psychologist
- Political Scientist
- Lawyer
- Research Consultant
- IT Professional
Potential Salary
Median Salary $60,000
Philosophy Degrees at MSU
Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy helps students develop essential writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills applicable across all professions. You will learn to critically analyze problems and solve them efficiently while exploring fundamental questions of humanity and honing your abilities in logic, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Bachelor of Arts–Philosophy
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelor of Arts with a philosophy emphasis integrates key elements of philosophy, political science, and economics into one comprehensive program. Students use analytical methods from all three disciplines to explore the relationships between economic, political, and legal systems, gaining critical thinking skills to evaluate societal issues. This major prepares students for careers in law, business, public policy, journalism, civil service, or international affairs.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Bachelor of Arts–Political Science
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelor of Arts with a political science emphasis combines the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of philosophy, political science, and economics. Students use analytical methods from all three disciplines to explore the relationships between economic, political, and legal systems, developing skills to critically evaluate central institutions and issues. This major prepares students for careers in law, business, public policy, journalism, civil service, or international affairs.
Philosophy, Minor
The Philosophy minor complements any major, helping students develop essential writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills that are valuable across all professions.
Human-Animal Studies, Minor
Human-Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary field exploring the diverse interactions between humans and non-human animals, past and present. This minor is ideal for those passionate about animals and is beneficial for careers in animal-related fields such as agriculture, shelters, animal-assisted therapies, and veterinary sciences.
Critical Thinking, Minor
The Critical Thinking Minor is intended for students interested in the critical, analytical and philosophical dimensions of business, social science, natural science, arts, humanities or history. The program helps develop habits of mind that are valuable in a wide variety of academic, professional or commercial workplaces.
Critical Thinking, Certificate
The Critical Thinking Certificate enhances students' ability to logically and rationally construct, evaluate, and explain thoughts, fostering analytical skills applicable across business, social science, natural science, arts, humanities, and history.
Ethics, Minor
The Ethics Minor provides the opportunity to investigate theoretical and applied ethics in a rigorous and deep way. This minor will be of special interest to students planning careers in the professions, including business, medicine, law, and others. Students completing the minor will develop a deeper reflective understanding of ethical values, an awareness of the history of ethical thought, an enhanced sense of our shared human values, and the ability to understand and critically evaluate the complex ethical issues of our time.
Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy helps students develop essential writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills applicable across all professions. You will learn to critically analyze problems and solve them efficiently while exploring fundamental questions of humanity and honing your abilities in logic, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Bachelor of Arts–Philosophy
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelor of Arts with a philosophy emphasis integrates key elements of philosophy, political science, and economics into one comprehensive program. Students use analytical methods from all three disciplines to explore the relationships between economic, political, and legal systems, gaining critical thinking skills to evaluate societal issues. This major prepares students for careers in law, business, public policy, journalism, civil service, or international affairs.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Bachelor of Arts–Political Science
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Bachelor of Arts with a political science emphasis combines the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of philosophy, political science, and economics. Students use analytical methods from all three disciplines to explore the relationships between economic, political, and legal systems, developing skills to critically evaluate central institutions and issues. This major prepares students for careers in law, business, public policy, journalism, civil service, or international affairs.
Philosophy, Minor
The Philosophy minor complements any major, helping students develop essential writing, discussion, and critical thinking skills that are valuable across all professions.
Human-Animal Studies, Minor
Human-Animal Studies is an interdisciplinary field exploring the diverse interactions between humans and non-human animals, past and present. This minor is ideal for those passionate about animals and is beneficial for careers in animal-related fields such as agriculture, shelters, animal-assisted therapies, and veterinary sciences.
Critical Thinking, Minor
The Critical Thinking Minor is intended for students interested in the critical, analytical and philosophical dimensions of business, social science, natural science, arts, humanities or history. The program helps develop habits of mind that are valuable in a wide variety of academic, professional or commercial workplaces.
Critical Thinking, Certificate
The Critical Thinking Certificate enhances students' ability to logically and rationally construct, evaluate, and explain thoughts, fostering analytical skills applicable across business, social science, natural science, arts, humanities, and history.
Ethics, Minor
The Ethics Minor provides the opportunity to investigate theoretical and applied ethics in a rigorous and deep way. This minor will be of special interest to students planning careers in the professions, including business, medicine, law, and others. Students completing the minor will develop a deeper reflective understanding of ethical values, an awareness of the history of ethical thought, an enhanced sense of our shared human values, and the ability to understand and critically evaluate the complex ethical issues of our time.
Related Programs
Sociology
The sociology program at Minnesota State, Mankato leads to careers in academic and applied settings including human services, government, business, nonprofit organizations and social action organizations.
Pre-Law
The Pre-Law program at Minnesota State Mankato is a pre-major, which means that it is done in conjunction with another academic major. Pre-majors do not have a set curriculum, although there are some courses that are recommended in preparing for law school.
Political Science
Political science is the systematic study of politics, power relationships and government. It explains how and why public decisions are made. Political science majors can qualify for a wide variety of careers in public and private sector organizations.
Philosophy Department
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences