Major or Minor in Philosophy

Program Overview

The Philosophy program at Duquesne University offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving. Students can pursue a major or minor in Philosophy, selecting from a wide range of courses covering diverse philosophical topics. The program prepares graduates for success in various fields, including academia, law, business, and public service.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Major Requirements:
Students are required to select 18 philosophy credits at any level. Some course offerings include:
• PHIL 170 Who I Am
• PHIL 180 Democracy & Justice
• PHIL 203 Philosophy of Religion
• PHIL 207 Philosophy of Animals
• PHIL 209 African Philosophy
• PHIL 220 Philosophy of Death & Living
• PHIL 231 History of Political Philosophy
• PHIL 236 Environmental Philosophy
• PHIL 260W Philosophy of Law
• PHIL 305W Contemporary Philosophy
• PHIL 318 Philosophy of the Human Person
• PHIL 402W Zen Philosophy
• Students must also select 9 philosophy credits at the 300-level.
Some course offerings include:
• PHIL 301 Medieval Philosophy
• PHIL 302W Early Modern Philosophy
• PHIL 305 Contemporary Philosophy
• PHIL 308 Existentialism
• PHIL 315 Thomas Aquinas
• PHIL 318 Philosophy of the Human Person
• PHIL 322W Philosophical Roots of Psychology
• PHIL 324 Epistemology
• PHIL 327 Philosophy of Crime & Punishment
• Students must select 3 credits at the 400-level or above.
Some course offerings include:
• PHIL 401W Plato's Early Dialogues
• PHIL 402W Zen Philosophy
• PHIL 407W Aristotle: Metaphysics
• PHIL 415W Plotinus
• PHIL 444 Nietzsche
• PHIL 476 Husserl
• Minor Requirements:
Philosophy minors must complete 15 credits in philosophy:
• at least 3 credits (one course) at the 200 level
• at least 3 credits (one course) at the 300 level
• at least 9 credits (three courses) as electives at any level.

Careers:

• Philosophy majors distinguish themselves as leaders in academia, medicine, politics, journalism, public relations, finance, public interest research, ministry, law, business, and education.
• Paired with Duquesne's broad liberal arts approach, a philosophy degree provides students with a valuable skillset of problem-solving, careful thinking, analytical clarity, critical precision, clear presentation of complex ideas, and innovative thinking that can be applied to any career path.