Major & Minor
Philosophy
Philosophy challenges assumptions and encourages fresh perspectives, cultivates creative thinking, logical reasoning, clear writing, broad learning, and teaches principles of valid argument.
About the Philosophy Major
Studying philosophy at Southern Virginia University makes you a clearer thinker, a better writer, and a more persuasive speaker while pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness. While some areas of study prepare students narrowly for a specific career path, a philosophy major develops a skill set that is highly agile, transferrable, and respected. Southern Virginia philosophy courses cover major thinkers in the history of Western philosophy (Greece through modern Europe and America) as well as contemporary debates in metaphysics, ethics, epistemology and political philosophy.
The study of philosophy complements and enhances career goals and vocations by providing students with the skills and knowledge that are highly desired in many career paths. Students grounded in a solid philosophy education are better prepared for professional careers as they are able to apply sound logic, construct complex objective arguments, and quickly absorb, evaluate, and synthesize new information.
On average, philosophy majors outperform most other majors on the GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and medical school admission rates. Southern Virginia’s philosophy major provides outstanding preparation for graduate study in law, medicine, business, high tech, and other fields, with students attending graduate programs at MIT, the University of Virginia School of Law, the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Health Administration Program, and other high-ranking schools and programs.
Learning Outcomes
What you’ll learn in the Philosophy major:
- Basic knowledge of the history of Western philosophy.
- Basic knowledge of formal and informal logic.
- Understanding of central areas of philosophy and of some major historical figures or movements.
- Ability to explain and argue for philosophical positions in clear written English.
Career Opportunities
There is a wide array of potential careers with a philosophy degree, including jobs in social work, law, education, counseling, and more depending on your personal and professional goals.
- Lawyer
- Political Scientist
- Professor
- Family Doctor
- Public Policy
- Business Executive
- Music Teacher
Getting Started in the Philosophy Major
Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Philosophy Major today.
Enroll
Begin by taking Reason and the Self (LIB 110) in your first year
Contact Your Advisor
Get in touch with New Tab, Open Bio for: Professor Jan-Erik Jones to discuss your interests and goals
Declare
Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office
Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.
Philosophy Faculty
John Armstrong
Director, Honors Program; Professor of Philosophy
Bryce Gessell
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Jan-Erik Jones
Professor of Philosophy; Humanities Division Chair; Philosophy Program Coordinator
Related Programs and Concentrations
Alumni Success
Kenneth Black (’22)
Ph.D. Philosophy Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Alumni Success
Phil Soelberg (’19)
University of Virginia School of Law, a top-ten nationally ranked law school
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In the News
Sallie McGuire (’22) Headed to J. Rueben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University
Sallie McGuire (’22) will attend the J. Rueben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University this fall with the goal of becoming a practicing attorney.
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In the News
Tyler Moon (‘21) to Attend University of Minnesota for Nation’s Second-ranked Healthcare Administration Graduate Program
“After taking Reason and the Self with Professor Armstrong, I decided to major in philosophy. My degree in philosophy will help me learn how to critically think, resolve problems, and enjoy learning. It will help me in whatever field I go into.”
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In the News
Philosophy Professors Cut Textbook Costs, Create Free Proprietary Ebook
Southern Virginia University’s philosophy professors Dr. John Armstrong, Dr. Jan-Erik Jones, and Dr. Bryce Gessell have eliminated textbook costs for every new student who takes their foundational philosophy course by compiling a free, media-rich, digital textbook.
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In the News
Student Association President to Attend Top Health Administration Program
“My philosophy major has helped me to recognize problems, weigh the pros and cons, and come up with a solution. I think philosophy is a great major because it helps you learn to think clearly and to communicate clearly, which is arguably one of the most important fundamentals in business.”
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