Philosophy Major
Give critical consideration to controversial issues, learn the philosophies of other cultures, and gather insight of the mysteries of human life.
1:4
FACULTY-STUDENT RATIO
100%
RESEARCH PROJECT COMPLETION
10
REGULAR FACULTY
62
UNDERGRADUATE PHILOSOPHY MAJORS
Total Credit Hours: 120
Philosophy Courses
General Education
Electives
What You'll Study
Courses in philosophy aim at critical understanding and rigorous evaluation of the concepts underlying our views concerning the nature of reality, what sorts of things there are, what can be known, what is of value, and what people ought to do and to aim at. Philosophy majors receive a strong liberal arts education and are prepared for careers that require a broad perspective and independent judgment.
Philosophy majors must complete the college core and Pathways and philosophy courses, including courses in the History of Philosophy, and Symbolic Logic (PHIL 3505). Students also have the opportunity to select from courses in Value Theory, Core Analytic Philosophy, and other philosophy electives to fulfill degree requirements.
- No-Option
- Pre-Medical Professions Option in Philosophy. See more details in checksheet here.
- A double major is possible with any of several other curriculums.
Related Links
What Is a Major in Philosophy?
Major in philosophy at Virginia Tech to engage with the world of ideas and learn effective reasoning. Work with award-winning faculty to gain hands-on experience through special projects, study abroad, and internships. The major offers a degree track in pre-medical professions for students interested in pursuing careers in health or medicine. The philosophy major positions you for graduate and professional school as well as a variety of careers in business, education, government, journalism, law, medicine, and public policy.
Why Study Philosophy Here?
Philosophy students are best-trained in the ability to understand and evaluate reasoning. The discipline provided by philosophical training prepares students for a variety of professional and scholarly fields where independent judgment, conceptual dexterity, and intellectual acumen are required. The skills of philosophy are universal skills, basic to professional expertise in fields such as law, business, journalism, and education. This accounts for why philosophy majors are among the most sought-after of all university graduates.
Beyond the Classroom
Majoring in philosophy at Virginia Tech means joining an active and welcoming community. Our faculty work side-by-side with you to advise you on pursuing research interests, presenting and publishing their work, and preparing your for a career after graduation.
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to connect with a different culture, experience new ways of thinking, and explore new places, all while gaining unique understanding and perspectives.Check out programs by visiting study abroad page or by searching the Global Education Office's programs.
In a competitive job market, experience is an important commodity. Internships provide you with valuable skills and real-world perspective regarding your chosen career field while giving you the opportunity to explore the possibilities for the future.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The members of Philosophy Club believe in the importance of wisdom. We believe in challenging assumptions and leaving nothing unquestioned: ignorance may be blissful, but it is not fulfilling. We desire to recognize our own ignorance and to do everything we can to overcome it. Realizing that recognizing one's own ignorance can be difficult for many reasons, we gather together to help each other overcome it and take the necessary steps to being that much wiser.
What Our Students Are Saying
"The pre-med track in philosophy is a great way to develop a critical mind and learn how to apply it to problems in medicine. A solid base in problem solving, critical thinking and rhetoric prepared me for diagnosing patients and writing proposals and procedures. I am able to take in a process a lot of data to find a diagnosis, increase efficiency, and prevent errors."
Alex Lindsay '13
Careers and Further Study
Maria Jernigan, '18
While majoring in philosophy and Spanish, Maria conducted research abroad considering philosophy's role in educational best practices in places like Finland, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. These experiences inspired Maria to found an educational startup, Redshift Education, which she runs when she is not teaching Spanish at an independent high school.
Robert Marsters, '14
Robert, while majoring in philosophy and political science, interned with the United States Geological Survey's Landsat Remote Sensing Program. The effective communication skills learned in his classes and internship experience supported him during law school at the University of Virginia. He's currently an associate at Milbank, a V50 law firm headquartered in New York.
Meg Tylenda, ’21
Meg completed majors in philosophy and sociology with minors in global engagement and peace studies and violence prevention. She studied abroad in Switzerland through the European Affairs in the Global Context program where she completed a field study on socioeconomic divide in London boroughs through the Brexit Referendum and research for the Diplomacy Lab. Meg is attending Albany Law School with a future goal of working in international law.
What do I do with a major in philosophy?
Our students earn real-world experience that helps them land a job when they graduate. The study of philosophy will sharpen your research and critical thinking skills, preparing you for careers like these:
- Executive Trainer
- Business Analyst
- Attorney
- Finance Director
- Family Therapist
- Software Developer
- Research Assistant
- Teacher/Professor
- Paralegal
- Non-profit Coordinator
- Journalist
- Consultant
- Healthcare Administrator
- Political Analyst
- Entrepreneur
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