Philosophy Major

Philosophy is integral to a person's education and to shaping how we understand our world and how we can live a fulfilling life.

Philosophy

Philosophy majors develop important skills through detailed textual analysis and lively intellectual debates that prepare them for careers in business, law, medicine, teaching, and the ministry. A low student-faculty ratio provides for a variety of carefully supervised individual research projects.

You'll explore theories of idealism, materialism, utilitarianism, pragmatism, and existentialism, and you'll study the world's great philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Mill, Nietzsche, Arendt, and Beauvoir.

You will learn to analyze, evaluate, and construct arguments in defense of particular views. There also is considerable attention paid to writing, with the aim of producing better, more precise, and persuasive writers.

Related Minors

Think Big

Philosophy majors can work with faculty mentors on senior independent projects, diving deeply into topics that interest them.

You may present your research at the annual Student Symposium.

Research & Independent Study Theory-to-Practice Grants

Exploring Islam

Jaime Riechmann '27 researched UK Muslim chaplain pathways after a Travel-Learning course.

Go Global

The OWU Connection provides a variety of opportunities for all students to go global. Travel-Learning Courses combine classroom study with travel to areas of the world where you may study how the issues you discuss in class really come to life. Or you can use a Theory-to-Practice Grant to explore a topic anywhere in the world.

Philosophy and Religion students have studied and pursued research projects in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Travel-Learning Courses Study Abroad

'Britainistan'

OWU students explore British Muslim narratives through literature and religion in London.

A Taste of Knowledge

Vincent Sack '27 traveled to the U.K. to study food regulatory policies.

'Embracing New Experiences'

Kahlil Mitchell-Smith '25 studied how culture impacts ecological preservation and climate.

Exploring Apostle Paul

Alexis Thomas '20 traveled to Greece to study the Apostle Paul's journeys and influence.

Conflict Resolution in Ireland

Several OWU community members with Father Martin Magill, a priest and peaceworker.

Seeking God in Switzerland

Jackie Everetts explored L'Abri communities to study theology's role in daily life.

Modernity & Colonialism

An OWU class traveled to Mexico to learn indigenous philosophies and paint murals.

Get Real

Build your experience and connections to the professional world with internships both on and off campus. You can work with the Career Connection office to identify and secure internships.

You can also join interfaith service teams that travel across the country and overseas during spring break to volunteer in areas of high need.

Career Connection Office

Real Service

Student interfaith service teams make a difference across the U.S. and globally.

Inspired Teaching

OWU faculty are outstanding scholars and researchers—and passionate teachers. They will push you, challenge you, inspire you, and work with you on your own research and creative projects.

They can even pack a 3-minute lecture with ideas, insight, and imagination. Check out our unique I³ lectures.

I³ Lectures

Dr. Erin Flynn

Great Game! But Who Was Better?

Highlights

Guest Lectures

The Merrick Lecture series brings a visiting renowned scholar in religion or philosophy to OWU every year. In addition to a lecture, the scholar leads a discussion with a small group of students.

Merrick Lecture

Senior Research

Present your senior research project to the campus community at the annual Spring Student Symposium, or during the end-of-the-year Philosophy senior capstone presentations.

More Information

Honor Society

Participate in Phi Sigma Tau, the international philosophy honor society. Students can be eligible by their sophomore year if they've completed two semesters of philosophy courses and rank in the upper 35 percent of their class.

Rare Liturgical Works

Beeghly Library has many uncommon and valuable 19th-and early 20th-century works on religion. In addition, students have access to the library of the nearby Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Graduate Outcomes

Jacob Weitman '24

Jacob was active in campus dining and hospitality initiatives, participated in student leadership programs, and contributed to philosophy club discussions and events, fostering critical thinking and community engagement. He now works full-time as a Line Cook at Sun Mountain Lodge in Boise, Idaho, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality and food service.

Philosophy: Honors & Awards

Recent OWU philosophy graduates have won university writing prizes and have been published in peer-reviewed journals. High-achieving students are frequently accepted to M.A., Ph.D., and J.D. programs.

Law School

Philosophy major Jessica Monroe '09 earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and moved on to become an attorney at a law firm in Cleveland, advocating for and advising unions on the forefront of the fight for economic justice.

Jobs in Social Justice

Jess Choate '17 is a housing specialist with Santa Maria Community Services, where she helps families find affordable housing and apply for government programs. Emily Burns '18 works as a community organizer at Sunnyside United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Your Future After Graduation

Graduates have pursued advanced studies at University of Illinois, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Case Western Reserve University, while others have launched careers with the NTC Department of Education, DSS Consulting MITRA, and Memora Health.