BA in Philosophy

The Philosophy Department is committed to teaching students how to think critically, reason carefully, and act knowingly. We believe that a strong philosophical foundation is essential to a life well-lived and crucial to a liberal arts education.

To this end, we offer a wide variety of philosophy and liberal arts studies courses. While our focus is on the western philosophical and intellectual canons, we acknowledge and incorporate other philosophical and critical traditions, including African, Chinese, Buddhist, Indian, and Latin American works.

Fast Fact

Due to the small size of the Philosophy Department, majors receive intensive personal attention from a small-but-dedicated faculty. This learning experience culminates in the senior thesis, an independent research project that prepares the student for the expectations and rigor of graduate-level study in Philosophy or related disciplines.

Program Distinctions

• Focuses on the practical application of philosophy to people’s everyday lives: Philosophy matters when it matters to people’s actual lives.
• A strong focus on ethics and political philosophy, with innovative classes like the “Ethics of Emerging Technology,” “Democracy and Secession” and “War: What Is It Good For”.
• Regularly organize events like the Great Lakes Philosophy Conference to promote scholarship.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.