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Ask Big Questions. Build Sharp Skills.
The Philosophy B.A. at Miami University challenges students to explore enduring questions about ethics, knowledge, and society. Through engaging philosophy classes and close faculty mentorship in the Department of Philosophy, students sharpen skills in logic, analysis, and communication.
Whether pursuing a major in philosophy, planning law school, or exploring an economics and philosophy double major, the flexible curriculum supports diverse goals. With options for undergraduate research, interdisciplinary study, and honors work, this program is a strong foundation for leadership in law, business, and public service.
Curriculum and Courses
The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy offers a flexible curriculum that encourages both depth and breadth of study. Core philosophy requirements include foundational courses in logic, ethics, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy, complemented by electives that allow students to explore contemporary topics like philosophy of mind, law, and science.
Students can take part in small, discussion-based philosophy classes that emphasize critical thinking, close reading, and persuasive writing. Many students pursue a double major in economics and philosophy, political science, or psychology—leveraging philosophy’s versatility across disciplines.
Whether you’re exploring abstract questions or practical applications we help students build an intellectual toolkit that sharpens reasoning and deepens understanding of the human experience.
- PHL 245 Writing Philosophy
- PHL 265 Confronting Death
- PHL 394 Existentialism
- PHL 335 Philosophy of Law
- PHL 376 Environmental Philosophy
Philosophy, B.A. Learning Outcomes
- Read, understand, and evaluate complex philosophical texts (including arguments, presuppositions, perspective, and purpose)
- Formulate a thesis by identifying, developing, and clearly presenting their own perspective on a problem, question, idea, or text, and making clear its context and significance
- Support their thesis with appropriate evidence (argument and exegesis), using philosophical sources to support and situate their interpretation of a text and/or stand on an issue
- Organize and effectively communicate their ideas to both philosophical and non-philosophical audiences
Careers in Philosophy
A major in philosophy provides an exceptional foundation for a wide range of career paths. Graduates of Miami’s Philosophy B.A. program develop highly transferable skills in argumentation, ethical reasoning, and analysis—skills that are in demand in law, government, education, business, nonprofit leadership, and more.
Philosophy alumni frequently pursue graduate or professional studies in law, medicine, public policy, and theology. Others go on to careers in consulting, journalism, or technology. The program’s reputation, combined with the strength of a liberal arts education, makes it one of the best philosophy programs in the U.S. for students who want to think deeply and act decisively.
- Law
- Government
- Medicine
- Education
- Administration
- Business
- Social Work
- Public Service
- The Military
- Public Relations
- Library Work
- Publishing
- Systems Analysis
Prepare for the Future
Double Major
Many philosophy students are double majors. All fields go well with a philosophy major because philosophy critically studies the origins and assumptions of human knowledge of all kinds. Our department has had double majors from Economics, Political Science, Physics, Biology, English, and many other areas.
Exam Preparation
Philosophy provides excellent preparation for the exams required for studying law, medicine, business, and graduate school in the humanities. Philosophy majors perform among the top 5 on the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and other entrance exams.
B.A./M.A.
Philosophy majors can earn both a B.A. and an M.A. through the department’s highly selective combined B.A./M.A. program, completing both degrees in just one additional year with up to eight graduate credits double counted. Full-time students are eligible to apply after earning 62 credit hours, completing at least half of the major, maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA, and may begin graduate coursework at 93 credit hours.
Prepare for Law School or Med School
A philosophy major is a strong pre-law and pre-med pathway, developing analytical, critical reading, writing, and communication skills essential for law or medical school. At Miami University, philosophy also provides a foundation in ethics and justice.
Philosophy majors perform among the top 5 on the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and other entrance exams.
Learn by Doing
Research
Both undergraduate and graduate philosophy students have opportunities to engage in research. Undergraduates can work closely with faculty through competitive options such as Undergraduate Summer Scholars, Dean’s Scholar projects, or Departmental Honors, while graduate students develop publishable research in a dedicated seminar.
Study Abroad
The Philosophy Department offers an intensive five-week European Philosophy summer program, previously held in Berlin with Technische Universität Berlin and potentially in other European locations. The 400/500-level course awards 6–8 credits and includes guest lectures, excursions, optional original-language study, and immersive cultural experiences.
Departmental Honors
Philosophy majors have the opportunity to complete an independent research project with a faculty mentor for Departmental Honors. Philosophy majors interested in Departmental Honors must meet specific requirements. Talk with a faculty member about independent thesis research.
One of the most useful skills I’ve learned from philosophy is the art of arguing. It involves just as much listening as it does making clear, rational points. It has forced me to slow down and think deeply.
Harsh Agrawal ’20
Facts and Stats
Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.
First-to-second year retention
Miami University Data
Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate
The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac
Public university in the U.S. for long-term career success
LinkedIn Best Colleges 2025
Admission and Aid
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admission
513-529-2531
[email protected]
Department of Philosophy
Michael Hicks, Ph.D.
Lead Departmental Advisor
Department of Philosophy
Hall Auditorium 216
101 S Campus Ave.
Oxford, OH 45056
[email protected]
513-529-2439