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Philosophy, BA

The Department of Philosophy is home to a small, academically vibrant, student-centered, undergraduate program. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education with all the advantages of a large research university.

As a Philosophy major, you'll train to understand and to respond both critically and creatively to philosophical problems, theories and arguments.

You'll investigate fundamental questions that have puzzled human beings for ages, such as: What do we know and how do we know it? What is morally right and how should we live? What is the nature of the human mind and self? Is there a God and how might human beings know about God? What is the ideal form of government? What is the ultimate nature of reality?

Because of the vigorous critical thinking you'll enjoy in a philosophy class, the study of philosophy prepares you for a wide range of careers, including law, business, medicine and journalism.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Philosophy is a form of intellectual exercise that makes it easier to identify problems, seek out arguments against your own views and critically evaluate solutions.

The Philosophy curriculum includes instruction in:

  • Logic
  • Ethics
  • Social-political philosophy
  • Philosophy of law
  • Theory of knowledge
  • Philosophy of science
  • Continental philosophy
  • Metaphysics
  • History of ancient and modern philosophy
  • Philosophy of religion

Philosophy is an excellent major to pair with another discipline. Many students double-major in political science, psychology, neuroscience, economics, math, business and education.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • HUM 101:
    Introduction to Western Civilization 1

    Presents the high points of Greco-Roman and Medieval European civilizations: their art, architecture, philosophy, religion, literature and music.

  • HUM 112:
    Humanities of Greece

    Presents the art, architecture, philosophy, religion, literature, and history of Greece.

  • HUM 107:
    The Humanities of Egypt

    This course will focus on the cultural history of Egypt from ancient until modern times.

  • PHIL 100:
    Problems of Philosophy

    An elementary examination of such philosophical problems as the mind-body problem, the existence of God, freedom and determinism, and the nature of persons and their knowledge.

  • PHIL 120:
    Introduction to Ethics

    Topics include the nature of the good life, whether ethics is relative or there are universal moral truths, the relationship between self- interest and morality, virtues and vices, and the nature of right and wrong.

  • PHIL 248:
    History of Modern Philosophy

    A study of selected writings by major philosophers of the Western world from Descartes to Kant.

  • PHIL 285:
    Ethics Bowl

    Students learn skills related to researching, planning, and presenting oral and written arguments on various contemporary ethical debates. Students also prepare to compete in an ethics bowl competition.

  • PHIL 302:
    Theory of Knowledge

    The nature and scope of human knowledge. Topics may include perception, belief, truth, evidence, certainty, and skepticism.

  • PHIL 491:
    Professional Field Experience

    Prearranged experiential learning program, to be planned, supervised, and evaluated for credit by faculty and field supervisors. Involves temporary placement with public or private enterprise for professional competence development.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 Program

    This major is eligible for the that allows qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Guest lectures by notable philosophers.
  • Coffee Hour events (informal discussions of philosophical topics).
  • , a project that encourages thinking, learning and asking more questions.
  • The Department of Philosophy hosts several conferences, including a national undergraduate philosophy conference and the Mid-Atlantic Philosophy of Language Workshop.
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Philosophers use techniques that can be applied to almost any subject, so the possibilities for philosophical research are nearly endless. No matter your interests, studying philosophy will help you to develop the critical thinking skills that will get you started on uncovering what you want to know.

Our accomplished professors conduct research and teach on a diverse range of subjects, including military ethics, conscientious objection in healthcare, the problem of consciousness, distributive justice, free will, moral and legal responsibility, logic and paradoxes, and the rationality of belief in God, along with many other topics.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Salary: $60,970

Possible job titles include: Law Clerk, Legal Assistant, Legal Clerk, Paralegal.

Explore Career

Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Median Salary: $53,550

Possible job titles include: Abstracter, Title Examiner, Title Officer, Title Searcher.

Explore Career

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

Median Salary: $135,160

Possible job titles include: District Sales Manager, Sales Director, Sales Manager, Sales Vice President.

Explore Career

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

Explore Career

Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates

Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $148,910

Possible job titles include: District Court Judge, Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge.

Explore Career

Public Relations Specialists

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,750

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Public Affairs Specialist, Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist (PR Specialist).

Explore Career

Where Graduates are Working

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Advertising
  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Law

Many of our students have used Philosophy as a gateway to law school.

Recent graduates have gained admission to some of the most prestigious law schools in the country, including Harvard, Yale and UC Berkeley.

Philosophy majors are eligible for the .

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Philosophy major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Philosophy at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Philosophy major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Philosophy can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Want to know more about Philosophy at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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