BA in Philosophy, Philosophy Major

Build critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills that will help you navigate the complex challenges of an evolving world, no matter what career path you choose. You’ll explore life’s profound questions and come away a better thinker and communicator.

Locations

  • Statesboro Campus (In Person)
  • Armstrong Campus (In Person, Minor Only)

Why Major in Philosophy at Georgia Southern?

  • Develop the key analytical and communication skills employers want.
  • Gain excellent preparation for a career in law.
  • Grow a strong foundation for post-graduate education.
  • Nurture your intellectual curiosity.
  • Build relationships with your professors.
  • 124 credit hours to completion.

Students who earn a philosophy degree develop powerful skills in reasoning, analysis and communication. Because studying philosophy teaches you to think well, you’ll build a strong foundation for a wide range of careers, from law to business to healthcare.

The philosophy major at Georgia Southern will sharpen your critical thinking and prepare you to address the moral and ethical questions of modern life. Together with your peers and professors, you’ll explore complex ideas about truth, justice, morality, society and more in an inclusive environment.

Whether you choose to pursue a career or advanced studies, your philosophy degree will help you think critically, solve problems and explore possibilities—skills you need to adapt and grow in our changing workforce.

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What Can You Do With a Philosophy Degree?

The Philosophy major is on the rise because today’s employers recognize its value in equipping clear thinkers and communicators who are ready to tackle the challenges of contemporary life.

%

Rate of Philosophy majors accepted to law school; consistently among the highest acceptance rates across multiple fields.

$+

The median mid-career salary for Philosophy majors.

%

Philosophy graduates go on to obtain advanced degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Where our graduates work:

  • Law
  • Business
  • Education
  • Technology
  • Journalism
  • Healthcare
  • Social work
  • Government service
  • Public policy

What our graduates do:

  • Lawyer
  • Professor
  • Business executive
  • Minister
  • Physician
  • Consultant
  • Foreign service officer

What You’ll Learn

As a student in Georgia Southern’s Philosophy program, you’ll think through complex issues as you critically evaluate philosophical positions, identifying central arguments and their support. Your coursework will cover the history and major periods of philosophy, major thinkers and major fields of study and theories of philosophy. Throughout your study, you’ll develop your own independent philosophical thought with well-reasoned argumentation and finish by writing and defending a clear, focused thesis.

See the Curriculum

Concentrations

You’ll have the option to choose from two concentrations, if desired: a Law concentration designed to equip you for a career in law, or Religious Studies, which provides an ideal foundation for post-graduate studies, social work or ministry.

Law

Deepen your understanding of reason, argumentation, logic and ethics to accelerate your career in law or public policy.

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Religious Studies

Explore the cultural and societal influence of world religions throughout history and expand your perspective.

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Build Your Experience

Build lasting friendships, find resources to support your academic growth and engage your mind with a variety of clubs and organizations designed to challenge you.

Student Organizations

Philosophy majors enjoy vibrant opportunities for connecting to engage ideas with a number of organizations that include Philosophy After Dark, Philosophy Club, Religion On Tap, the Eagle Ethics Bowl and more.

Scholarships

The Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies offers several scholarships for outstanding students, as well as two annual awards for best student essays. Explore the resources page for more details.

Small Class Sizes

Philosophy classes are intentionally limited to smaller sizes to encourage students to engage more closely with your peers and faculty. You’ll benefit from rich discussion as you progress through your studies.

Philosophy Alumni Spotlight

A criminal justice attorney practicing in Georgia, Holly Waltman has been named to three prestigious award lists, including the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award for Georgia.

Philosophy Alumni Spotlight

After graduating summa cum laude with his BA in Philosophy, Dr. Montes went on to medical school and residency training in OB/GYN, including serving as chief resident. Dr. Montes now practices at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Montes says that his degree in philosophy “enables me to connect with my patients on a more humanistic level, bringing a deeper meaning to the work done each day in the pursuit of healing others.”

Andres Montes, Physician
BA in Philosophy, 2010

Philosophy Alumni Spotlight

Cameron Lewellen is currently working for VMware, where he is responsible for creating partnerships with field sellers. “I use the logic, ethics and existential principles that I learned through my college curriculum and have found that my foundation gives me a decided advantage when it comes to problem solving and critical thinking.”

Cameron Lewellen, Director at VMware
BA in Philosophy, 2008

Take Action

Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:

  • Create an application account.
  • Complete our online application using the PIN you received after creating your application account.
  • Once complete, pay the $30 application fee or upload a valid fee waiver. Previous Georgia Southern applicants and dual enrollment students do not need to pay the fee.
  • You can check your application status at My.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/admissions three days after completing your application. This page contains live information about your admission status, including a checklist of missing documents we need to make a decision.
Apply as a First-Year Student Transfer to Georgia Southern

From scholarships designated for philosophy majors to student-run philosophy clubs and discussion groups, Georgia Southern offers an array of resources to students exploring philosophy.

Explore Resources

Undergraduate Academic Advisement at Georgia Southern is provided to all degree-seeking undergraduate students by professional advisors. Academic Advisors are located on all three Georgia Southern University campuses. Students are required to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor at least once a semester. For more information, visit the Academic Advisement catalog page.

Related Programs

Take the Next Step

Engage your mind and explore life’s most profound questions. Learn more about earning your Bachelor of Arts in Georgia Southern’s Philosophy program.

Contact Us

Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies

Statesboro
Dr. Karin Fry, Department Chair
Newton Building, 3307 C
P.O. Box 8023
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-5471

Armstrong
Gamble Hall
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Phone: 912-344-2594