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Philosophy
Question assumptions and seek knowledge in a systemic and organized way. Philosophy hones critical thinking through articulating and understanding some of our most fundamental beliefs. Prepare yourself to think analytically and problem-solve. Become proficient in logic and reasoning and acquire transferable skills that will support you along your career path.
The Department of Philosophy offers honours, major, and minor programs. It provides students with a vibrant and engaging educational experience, not only academically but socially as well, thanks to an active student union that organizes a range of events and forums throughout the year for philosophical discussion.
For students planning to enter law school after graduation, the department now offers a specialized degree concentration: Concentration in Philosophy and Law. By focusing on topics in philosophy of law, political philosophy, ethics, and moral theory, the Concentration in Law is directly applicable to legal theory and policy courses, giving you a strong foundation for law school.
Philosophy majors have been shown to be better equipped for admission to law school than students in any other degree program, and philosophy majors also outperform other degree programs on many standardized tests, such as the LSAT, GMAT and GRE.
Program Options
Learn more about the different degrees and programs available to you at Philosophy.
Undergraduate options
Major
Honours
Joint Major
- Business, Philosophy and the Law Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business Administration
- Philosophy and Global Humanities Bachelor of Arts
- Philosophy and Health Sciences Bachelor of Arts
Minor
Extended Minor
Co-operative Education Program
Certificate and Diploma
Graduate options
Career Pathways
Major companies increasingly value the analytical thinking taught in philosophy programs, and philosophy majors consistently outperform other majors in standardized test scores and mid-career earnings. Although career options for philosophy majors are limitless, popular career pathways include teaching and research, public administration, business, and journalism.
In addition to examining some of the deepest questions of the human mind, philosophy develops skills that students take with them their whole lives and can apply to any career of their choosing. Through these highly valuable and transferable skills, degree-holding philosophy professionals can work in a wide variety of industries.
The number of high-paying job opportunities for a philosophy graduate increases with their level of education. Philosophy jobs often focus on important human conversations—both locally and internationally—and professionals with a philosophy background often shape these conversations with their analytical and critical thinking.
A small number of philosophy graduates who go on to graduate studies enjoy careers in scientific research or academia, and many go on to pursue other related professional careers in law, politics, and more.
“I think philosophy is extremely useful. In all of my classes, I have been asked to analyze and deconstruct texts, as well as communicate my own thoughts, through class discussions and assignments. Arts and Philosophy students are strong at communicating, synthesizing information, and analyzing texts. These skills are needed in a variety of careers, regardless of your factual knowledge base.”
Kendra Wong
Graduate | Philosophy Major
Learn More
Dr. Holly Andersen describes PHIL 144: Introduction to the Philosophy of Natural and Social Science.
Dr. Dai Heide describes PHIL 356: 18th Century Philosophy.
