Department of Philosophy
Philosophy Degree
Major
A UW-STEVENS POINT DEGREE IN PHILOSOPHY PREPARES YOU FOR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS
Philosophy is the systematic study of the enduring ideas and questions that have engaged thoughtful people for millennia such as: “What is the purpose of life?”, “What is the nature of reality?”, “How do we know what is true?” and “How do we decide what choices are ethical?”. By providing us with the intellectual tools necessary to tackle these questions, philosophy helps us to open our beliefs to scrutiny and teaches us how to reason well about issues that are important to us.
The study of Philosophy is intrinsically interesting, which is why students love it, but it is also very practical for career preparation. As they pursue the big questions, Philosophy majors hone advanced level skills in critical thinking, ethical problem solving and clear communication. These skills are in high demand by today’s employers and open doors to many interesting and profitable careers including law, education, business, human services, and technology industries. Philosophy majors find work that is both personally meaningful and profitable; the median mid-career income of philosophy graduates is $84,000.
Our graduates engage the world ready to flourish as global citizens, to assume leadership positions, and to exercise professional adaptability in the face of a rapidly changing world.
Why Study Philosophy at UW-Stevens Point?
Philosophy is both intellectually adventurous and a practical choice for career preparation. As they pursue the big questions, students in philosophy gain the skills in high demand by today’s employers: the ability to follow complex lines of reasoning, identify presuppositions, evaluate evidence, craft arguments, refute unsupported claims, grapple with ethical dilemmas, and think “outside of the box.”
Alumni Voices
Philosophy helped them carve a path to fulfilling careers. UWSP Department of Philosophy alum from 1994- 2019 share their graduate stories!
Graduate School Preparation
For those whose career path leads through graduate school, the Philosophy major offers great preparation. Nationwide, students who major in Philosophy score higher on law school entrance exams (LSAT) that almost all other majors. Philosophy majors also have a higher rate of acceptance to medical school than students who studied Biology or Chemistry.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
The major in Philosophy requires 27 core credits in the discipline. You will take required courses in critical thinking, ethics, and the history of philosophy and can choose from a range of electives which include such courses as “Philosophy of Death,” “Environmental Ethics” and “Animal Ethics”. As a major, you will also complete a senior research project. Our classes are mostly small, discussion-based and student centered.
A double major in Philosophy and another discipline brings many advantages. You may find that majoring in two different disciplines is a powerful way to up your brain power and your ability to “think outside the box”. Also, as you pursue career opportunities, a double major will help you stand out as unique and impressive in the eyes of potential employers.
In addition to the major in Philosophy, we also offer the major with an emphasis in different areas of study. The Philosophy Major with a Concentration in Environmental Ethics, the Philosophy Major with a Concentration in Law and Justice, and the Philosophy Major with a Concentration in Religious Studies are all popular options for students. Each concentration requires core classes in Philosophy, along with additional courses in other relevant programs on campus.
Environmental Ethics is a branch of Philosophy that explores questions concerning the values, beliefs and attitudes that influence how people relate to the environment. Students learn how to navigate diverse perspectives skillfully, to reflect on the ethics of these perspectives, and to communicate clearly and persuasively about environmental issues.
Law and Justice is the interdisciplinary study of law and justice, grounded in the humanities. Our focus is on analyzing the relationship between law and ethics, justice, freedom, power, rights, knowledge, truth, and justification. It is intended both for students pursuing law school, as well as those interested in law-related fields, including nonprofit career work, work for NGOs, paralegal work, and criminal justice, broadly construed.
Religious Studies is the comparative and interdisciplinary study of the world’s religions and the creativity of the human religious imagination. Because religion is at the core of human culture and is a powerful force shaping human history, the study of religion gives students a broad knowledge of the history of the world and the diversity of human cultures.
Students with outstanding original work have the opportunity to present their research at the College of Letters and Science Undergraduate Research Symposium, held each spring. Internships and creative experiential learning opportunities give majors hands on experience in professional settings
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
The Philosophy Club of UWSP is a student organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining a mature and professional environment for students interested in the field of philosophy and philosophical discussion. Regular activities include student facilitated conversations about controversial and topical issues. Faculty also attend some meetings to share some of their own work with students. The club welcomes all students. For further information, please contact the faculty advisor to the Philosophy Club, Jason Zinser.
Phi Sigma Tau is the international honor society for the study of philosophy. The purpose of Phi Sigma Tau is to cultivate interest in philosophy among students and to celebrate high achievement in the study of philosophy. Phi Sigma Tau publishes a journal, Dialogue, for student contributions in all areas of contemporary philosophical research. For further information, please contact the faculty advisor to Phi Sigma Tau, Jason Zinser.
More student group opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).
Philosophy students are active in many student organizations, including the Student Government Association, and are frequently included in the ranks of the Chancellor’s Albertson Student Leadership Award winners.
Philosophy
Navigate Your Major
Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!
Have you considered a double major?
The Philosophy major only requires 27 credits, making it easy to double major in the same time frame as a single major. As you study two disciplines simultaneously, you will learn to address problems from multiple perspectives and to think innovatively.
You may consider: Philosophy and Computer Information Systems | Philosophy and Music | Philosophy and Political Science | Philosophy and Sociology | Philosophy and Theatre Arts
MEET YOUR FACULTY
UW-Stevens Point philosophy faculty ensure students read carefully, think critically, communicate effectively and participate meaningfully in environments characterized by cultural, religious and philosophical diversity.
Dona Warren
- Professor of Philosophy
- Critical Thinking Center Head
715-346-4115
Jason Zinser
715-346-2334
Chris Diehm
- Professor
- Department Chair in Philosophy
- Environmental Ethics Program Coordinator
- Environmental Studies Program Co-Coordinator
715-346-2334
Alice Keefe
- Professor of Religious Studies
715-346-3205
School of Humanities and Global Studies