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Philosophy Major

At the heart of philosophy: love of wisdom.

At Saint Mary’s, you’ll get to know history’s greatest thinkers and challenge your worldview by reading carefully and questioning your assumptions about the world. Become a scholar in your pursuit for everlasting learning and transformation. 

With our philosophy major, you’ll examine the central themes of human existence and knowledge that philosophers have grappled with for centuries. Then, like Pythagoras and Socrates, reflect upon human existence and endeavors. This principle of philosophy — forming and evaluating arguments — will prepare you for various careers and a more fulfilling life.

Gain confidence to reason logically, problem-solve, and communicate ideas. Challenge and broaden your perspectives by examining your reasoning and value judgments — without losing sight of Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic foundation and vision. Here, you’ll be given the tools to lead an ethical life of service and leadership.

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Program Highlights

Grounded in the Lasallian Catholic tradition, our philosophy major creates a foundation for lifelong learning by encouraging you to seek the truth and improve your critical thinking skills.

Career Outlook

Prepare for various careers and vocations such as education, theology, law, Christian ministry and service, publishing, healthcare, and marketing. You could even pursue a career as a campus or hospital chaplain, social justice advocate, or missionary worker.

Writers and Authors

$69,510 per year1

High school teacher

$61,820 per year2
4%

Job Growth3

What You'll Learn

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  • Critical thinking skills for analysis and construction of arguments
  • Awareness of how culture is influenced by intellectual pursuits
  • Familiarity with fundamental questions of perennial significance
  • Ability to dialogue with multiple perspectives
  • Recognition of how principles undergird behavior

Course Catalog

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Writers and Authors at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm (visited January 13, 2023). 

²Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (visited January 13, 2023). 

³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Field of degree: Philosophy and religion, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/philosophy-and-religion/philosophy-and-religion-field-of-degree.htm (visited January 25, 2023).