Overview
By pursuing a major or minor in philosophy at UMN Morris, you’ll explore philosophy's fundamental questions and proposed answers. You'll identify and discuss the main theories concerning the nature of reality and the conditions for knowledge, contemplating the most fundamental questions of human inquiry: How should we live? What can we know? What is real? You'll interpret and evaluate the central arguments in ancient and modern philosophy. You’ll discuss classical texts and contemporary topics in a tight-knit community of friends where diverse views are welcome and friendly debate can occur. You'll also study the works of major figures in the history of philosophy. Overall, the philosophy program will prepare you for success in a wide variety of careers.
The philosophy discipline offers four sub-plans or tracks: general philosophy; philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE); legal studies; and computer and data studies. You’ll have flexibility in choosing courses for each of these career paths. You’ll also receive personalized career mentorship from our diverse alumni network.
General Philosophy
By following this track, you will get a balanced curriculum of courses in logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and history of philosophy. You’ll learn how to speak clearly and argue rigorously. These skills will set you up for success in any career you choose. Philosophy graduates on average have the highest mid-career salaries for non-STEM majors.
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
As a philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) student, you’ll study economics and political science while developing a broader vision of human nature and the goals of society through philosophy. By bringing together these three major approaches to understanding human interactions, PPE teaches quantitative and qualitative skills that are essential for careers in politics, business, academics, law, and more.
Legal Studies
The legal studies track is especially suited for those planning on careers in law or government. You’ll take courses across a variety of disciplines that examine the foundations of law, justice, and government. You’ll be prepared for success in law school, government, lobbying work, consulting, law enforcement, and more.
Computer and Data Studies
The computer and data studies track combines the study of philosophy, computer science, and data science. The program will equip you with skills—including logical, computational, and statistical reasoning—that are highly prized in today's job market.
Degree Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
By completing a degree in philosophy, you will be able to
- expand your creativity, sensitivity, intellectual courage, open-mindedness, critical-mindedness, logical rigor, and analytical precision;
- contribute to the great conversation with your own considered insights;
- demonstrate a familiarity with major ethical theories and apply them to contemporary moral issues;
- identify, construct, analyze, and evaluate complex arguments; and
- think objectively, debate calmly, speak clearly, and write effectively.
General Education Requirements
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers & Graduate School
Careers
Many companies prize the skills that are sharpened and honed by majoring in philosophy. UMN Morris philosophy graduates have gone on to pursue a variety of careers, demonstrating the value and flexibility of the major. Some recent examples include:
- Artificial intelligence researcher
- Biomedical ethicist
- Brewmaster
- Fraud analyst
- Journalist
- Law enforcement professional
- Lawyer
- Legislator
- Movie director
- Nonprofit manager
- Professor
- Software engineer
- Teacher
An undergraduate degree in philosophy from UMN Morris is excellent preparation for law school, and as a group, philosophy majors do better on graduate admission tests like the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT than almost any other major. Faculty will also work closely with you to help you figure out which career is right for you.
Graduate School
Many recent UMN Morris philosophy graduates have gone on to graduate school at universities like:
- Stanford
- Harvard
- Notre Dame
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Nebraska
- University of Iowa
- University of Illinois
Costs & Aid
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Learn more about the cost of attendance
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Research & Engagement
As a UMN Morris student, you’re strongly encouraged to take part in academic opportunities outside the classroom.
Research
Participating in research or partnering with other students or faculty on a literature or writing-related project allows you to put into practice what you are learning as an undergraduate student. You may even be able to present your work at a national venue. Participating in research through an international exchange or study-abroad program may be another option as a philosophy student. Serving as a research assistant to a faculty member may be another option for you. Regardless, you’ll have access to—and help from the philosophy faculty in obtaining funding for—programs that allow you to take advantage of these opportunities.
Engagement
UMN Morris philosophy students and faculty are among the most active on campus. There are many ways to engage in philosophy at UMN Morris. You may be able to
- contribute to campus publications;
- give a public lecture;
- participate in a community-outreach program;
- join the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team;
- take on a leadership role in the Philosophical Society;
- present papers for the Minnesota Philosophical Society; or
- attend a national philosophy conference as a Philosophy Club member.
Internships
UMN Morris philosophy students are strongly encouraged to do an internship. Career Services is your source for more information about internships and other career-related opportunities. Handshake is the University of Minnesota's professional job, internship, and volunteer database connecting students with employment opportunities throughout the world.
Midwest Philosophy Colloquium
Every year, the UMN Morris philosophy discipline hosts the Midwest Philosophy Colloquium, where distinguished speakers come to campus and speak on topics of general interest. This is another opportunity to engage with the study of philosophy—and a unique advantage you’d have as a philosophy student at UMN Morris.
48th Annual Midwest Philosophy Colloquium: "Expanding the Canon"
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
7 p.m. Imholte 109
Dwight Lewis, Jr. (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, UMN-Twin Cities)
"Justice Now: A Canonical Provocation"
Thursday, April 18, 2024
5 p.m. Imholte 109
Jessica Gordon-Roth (Associate Professor of Philosophy, UMN-Twin Cities)
"Epistemically Encaged: A Snapshot of the Experiences of 17th Century Philosophers Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia and Margaret Cavendish—& How Looking to the Past Can Help Us Better Understand the Challenges We Face as Knowers Today"
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
7 p.m. Imholte 109
Bennett McNulty (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, UMN-Twin Cities)
“Making Better Worlds: Cavendish, Imagination, and the Liberatory Power of Fiction”
Previous colloquium speakers have included
- Donald Davidson
- Saul Kripke
- Fred Dretske
- J.L. Mackie
- Gilbert Harman
- Alvin Goldman
- John Searle
- Stephen Stich
- Philip Kitcher
