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
Graduation Requirements
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in philosophy, there are certain requirements you must meet to ensure that you graduate. If minoring in philosophy, a different set of requirements apply.
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 (Morris Core)
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 (Morris Core) 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.
Learn more about UMN Morris General Education Requirements (Morris Core)
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 and 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 and Scholarships
Costs at a Glance
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.
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Philosophy Scholarships
All Available Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to you and are often based on specific criteria, such as your major, GPA, or financial need.
Research and Engagement
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.
Research Opportunities for Students
The Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) offers students an opportunity to present research plus scholarly and creative work. Types of presentations include posters, oral presentations, and short or abbreviated theatrical, dance, or musical performances.
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides University of Minnesota undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline, the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research or creative projects.
The University of Minnesota Morris offers the Morris Academic Partnership (MAP) program, in which faculty select academically talented, qualified second-year and third-year students to assist them in scholarly and creative projects. Selected MAP students undertake assignments intended to enhance their intellectual competence and increase their interest in graduate or professional study.
National Student Exchange (NSE) provides an opportunity for students to enhance their Morris education by "studying abroad domestically." Through NSE students have the chance to attend another university in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands for a semester or academic year.
Midwest Philosophy Colloquium
2025 Midwest Philosophy Colloquium Schedule
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.
49th Annual Midwest Philosophy Colloquium: "The Philosophy of the Trump Administration"
TALK 1:
- Thursday, April 10, 2025
- 6:30 pm (Central Time, US)
- Imholte Hall 109 + Virtual Streaming
Talk title: "The Dark Enlightenment and the Trump Administration"
Joseph Porter, Associate Teaching Professor, University of Colorado, Boulder's Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization
Abstract: The New York Times and other media outlets have recently drawn attention to the so-called "Dark Enlightenment" as an influence on the Trump administration. But philosophers and political theorists have almost entirely ignored Dark Enlightenment thinkers like Curtis Yarvin in their scholarship. In this lecture, Joseph Porter will explore some major ideas of the Dark Enlightenment—including the Cathedral and running the government like a start-up—and examine their potential influence on the Trump administration.
TALK #2
- Friday, April 11, 2025
- 5 pm (Central Time, US)
- Imholte Hall 109 + Virtual Streaming
Talk title: "The Political Philosophy of the Vice President of the United States: Two Puzzles"
- Donald Davidson
- Saul Kripke
- Fred Dretske
- J.L. Mackie
- Gilbert Harman
- Alvin Goldman
- John Searle
- Stephen Stich
- Philip Kitcher
