BA in Philosophy

The Philosophy major is designed to provide depth and breadth in the study of philosophy, emphasizing the skills of logical reasoning, analytic reading, effective writing, ethical reasoning, and the focused study of the history of western philosophy and fundamental conceptions of human nature and human practices. The major is also flexible so that students can take courses of interest to them. Courses in the philosophy major allow students to gain useful conceptual tools, increase their flexibility of mind, and improve their ability to view issues from multiple perspectives. Philosophy is one of the best pre-law majors; philosophy majors typically do extremely well in admission tests to graduate and professional schools.

The philosophy major stresses learning goals that enable students to achieve the skills deemed essential by employers, powerful critical thinking and communication skills. Because the major is organized around learning goals, students know exactly why they are taking each class. As they explore philosophy, they also see that each class helps them become college graduates who possess knowledge and skills valued by employers and professional and graduate schools.

Home to the largest number of majors on the University of Northern Iowa campus, the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences (CHAS) provides a diverse range of learning opportunities in the visual and performing arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and technology fields. Students benefit from a comprehensive strategy for success: engaged learning opportunities, personalized attention from faculty, manageable class sizes, access to specialized and advanced technology, and a vast array of majors, minors, certificates, and coursework to customize their education.

CHAS also engages with all students at the university through the many-core courses offered at UNI. CHAS classes offer non-majors a foundation in the humanities, arts, and sciences, which help students develop an ability to think critically about the world around us, communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, and solve complex problems. By instilling success skills, CHAS works to prepare all who pass through its doors for advancement in their careers and function as life-long learners.