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Study Philosophy

Ponder questions that delve into the most profound aspects of the human experience. Major in philosophy to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Major

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

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Our Philosophy Major & Minor

What is justice and what is morality? What is the connection between the mind and the body? Philosophy grapples with questions that are integral to who we are. You’ll learn to analyze problems and improve your ability to write clearly, speak effectively, and think critically. 

Why choose Philosophy at Willamette?

  • A track record of success. From an NPR reporter to an Oregon Supreme Court Justice, our alumni are showcasing how powerful philosophy can be. Graduates have found success in medicine, law, and other fields.
  • Broaden your learning path. Join the philosophy club, events, and other activities. Complete meaningful papers or even pursue independent study options.
  • Course variety and career support. Choose between courses that cover a variety of thinkers and topics. Explore what interests you and speak to our career advisors on your path forward.

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Alumni Stories

Our alumni have gone on to become lawyers, journalists, software engineers, professors, diplomats, and doctors. They've served as an Oregon Supreme Court Justice and reported for NPR. Learn how our graduates have made an impact in the world.

  • Michael Diamond ’11

    How the Liberal Arts and Silicon Valley can go hand-in-hand.
    Michael Diamond, a Willamette graduate with a double degree in Computer Science and Philosophy, navigates the complexities of software engineering with skills honed from his interdisciplinary education. Part of his journey includes helping build a self-driving car.

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  • Young woman with short red hair, wearing a black sweater over a white collared shirt, standing with arms crossed.

    Lisa Oakley ’04

    Philosophy to Public Health: Lisa Oakley's Journey
    Lisa Oakley '14, a Willamette alumna with a background in philosophy and pre-health studies, serves on the front lines of public health as a member of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service. Oakley's journey highlights the value of interdisciplinary education.

Philosophy Faculty

Connect with professors one-on-one through mentorship, small class sizes, and even research projects. Our faculty members have explored concepts, published works, and brought new ideas into the classroom. Discuss theories, debate sides, and even prepare for graduate programs with their assistance.

  • Meet Professor Coleman

    Dr. Anthony Coleman acts as the Department Chair for Philosophy. His expertise in the field provides students with an intellectually robust, professional setting to learn and grow.

  • Meet Professor Havas

    Dr. Randall Havas is a distinguished scholar known for his work on Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Dostoevsky. His focus as an author and educator delves into philosophical explorations of existentialism, the Self, and the works of key thinkers.

  • Meet Professor Welty

    Dr. Ivan Welty is an active philosopher whose publications explore diverse topics such as analysis of color, and conceptions of free will. With a commitment to rigorous inquiry, he actively challenges students in their refinement of intellectual ideas and pursuits.

Curriculum

Philosophy is a core component of a liberal arts education, with deep ties to other disciplines. Small class sizes balance argument with imagination and rigor to help you develop superior critical thinking skills. Explore existentialism, theories of knowledge, and the philosophy of language through our degree.

  • PHIL 235W Philosophical Ethics

    An examination of major philosophical views about right and wrong, with attention to points of contact with economics and political economy. Readings will include both historical and contemporary texts. Assignments culminate in a case study.

  • BUS 4201 Leadership & Career Development

    An introduction to the works of the chief figures of modern existentialism: Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Sartre. Emphasis on how existentialism endeavors to overcome traditional dualities of subject and object, mind and world, reason and passion, and fact and value.

Program Requirements

Our Philosophy major requires 36 semester hours to complete the degree. These hours will consist of PHIL 140 Symbolic Logic, PHIL 230 History of Philosophy: Ancient Greece, PHIL 231 History of Philosophy: Modern, one capstone course taken in combination with PHIL 498W, and 20 semester hours in Philosophy where at least 12 semester hours are at the 200 level or above.

Students pursuing a Philosophy minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in Philosophy. These hours will consist of 12 semester hours in Philosophy at the 200 level or above and 8 additional semester hours in Philosophy.

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Admissions Information

Our Philosophy program is open to first-year students, transfer students, and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University is committed to supporting Philosophy majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if provided.

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FAQs

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Philosophy