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Reflect on the Nature of Life
The Philosophy, B.A., major studies the ideals through which we understand ourselves and our world. You will ask questions about who we are, the nature of the universe, and what it means to lead a good life. You will reflect on important texts of human thought, evaluate conflicting claims, and learn to develop clear, meaningful arguments.
Contact Information
Michael Hicks
Lead Departmental Advisor
Department of Philosophy
216 Hall Auditorium
101 S Campus Ave., Oxford, OH 45056
hicksmr2@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-2439
Curriculum and Courses
The courses you choose will open up a wealth of career opportunities — not lock you into one occupation. You’ll extend your education way beyond the classroom to every area of your life.
- PHL 245 Writing Philosophy
- PHL 265 Confronting Death
- PHL 394 Existentialism
- PHL 335 Philosophy of Law
- PHL 376 Environmental Philosophy
Careers in Philosophy
Studying philosophy prepares students for success in a variety of careers. Philosophy majors have gone on to further study or careers in:
- Law
- Government
- Medicine
- Education
- Administration
- Business
- Social Work
- Public Service
- The Military
- Public Relations
- Library Work
- Publishing
- Systems Analysis
Philosophy majors have mid-career salaries similar to Political Science majors and higher than most majors in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
According to visualcapitalist.com, while Philosophy majors might start out with slightly lower salaries than Business majors, by mid-career salaries of Philosophy majors on average caught up to and surpassed those of Business majors.
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
Research Opportunities
Both undergraduate and graduate students are offered opportunities to do research. Undergrads can pursue independent research by working with faculty on an Undergraduate Summer Study project, a Dean’s Scholar project, or Departmental Honors. Consult with a faculty member about these competitive possibilities.
Graduate students take a research seminar, in which they develop an individual scholarly project into a publishable essay.
Other Student Opportunities
Pre-Law and Pre-Med: Law schools, medical schools, and healthcare professions want applicants with a broad base of knowledge and strong backgrounds in critical thinking, analytical reading and writing skills, social and ethical concerns, and more.
Honors Program: 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.
Courses for Non-Majors:
- Formal Logic
- Confronting Death
- What Is Art?
- Science and Culture
- Medical Ethics
- Environmental Philosophy
Additional Opportunities
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
Another more professional reason why you should study philosophy is that it provides excellent preparation for the exams required for studying law, medicine, business, and graduate school in the humanities. Proof of this is that philosophy majors perform among the top 5 on the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and other entrance exams.
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
of 2018-2019 graduates who were employed or furthering their education by fall 2019
Miami University Data
This is Where Your Journey to Miami University Begins
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.