Seattle University quad and fountain looking north

Philosophy, BA

Earn a Philosophy degree from Seattle University and explore life’s major questions with highly valued critical thinking skills.

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Philosophy, BA

About this Program

Explore Deeper Questions of Life and Develop High-Value Intellectual Skills

The study of philosophy begins with questions that are as personal as they are universal: What can I know? How should I live? Who am I? What am I? How am I connected to the world around me?

As a student, you are invited into a community of inquirers to reflect on fundamental questions of human existence through engaging with philosophy’s diverse traditions and major thinkers.

Philosophy students learn to think critically about the world, to call into question biases and unwarranted assumptions and to pursue an “examined life.”

Not only is philosophy worth studying for its own sake, but philosophy students also acquire exceptional critical thinking, close reading, clear writing and argumentative skills that are highly valued by graduate programs and prospective employers.

Recent major and minor philosophy degree graduates have been accepted to highly ranked law schools.

Philosophy Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Philosophy will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

To respond fruitfully to universal questions requires training in critical habits of mind, learning from the rich traditions and the great minds that have meditated on such questions, and engaging in lively discussion with a community of inquirers. Seattle University undergraduate philosophy courses communicate the value of philosophy and impart knowledge of its most influential figures. Even more, the courses help students bring their own intellectual concerns into dialogue with great minds of the past and present, and hone skills of reasoning and argumentation that make that questioning illuminating, reliable, and useful.

Minoring in philosophy gives you the opportunity to develop your ability to reason and think in a clear and disciplined manner. It also helps you learn to make informed judgments and persuade others to believe your position to be correct. Finally, a minor in philosophy helps you develop the skills need to communicate subtle and complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner.

On successful completion of this program, you will be able to: 

1. Integrate philosophical insights with contemporary issues facing global, national, local, and/or campus communities as well as your own lived experience.
2. Engage questions of ethics, social justice, spirituality, and meaning of life.
3. Communicate effectively with different audiences and purposes using philosophical tools, such as
a. developing philosophical arguments and formulating and replying to reasoned objections, 
b. the historical, social, and political critiques of philosophical positions, 
c. and examining common assumptions.
4.    Gain a familiarity with various histories of philosophy with an emphasis on centering marginalized traditions.
5. Analyze intersections of social positionality, such as race, class, gender, sexual identity, disability, species and culture.
6. Be capable of interpreting both primary and secondary sources in philosophy and analyzing their argumentation or methods of persuasion.

If you’re planning on attending law school in the future, consider our Bachelor/JD Accelerated 3+3 Program. This degree plan allows you to finish both a law degree and a bachelor’s degree in six years. For more information, visit the Bachelor/JD Accelerated 3+3 Program Admission page.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Support for Your Development

A information session at Seattle University

Pathways to Professional Formation

The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to helping you through your lifetime journey of professional formation and discernment. We offer opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding of your professional identity.

Learn More
Student sitting during an adivising session

Arts & Sciences Advising Center

Our advising center is dedicated to your holistic academic and professional through academic advising and promotion of academic excellence. We work to solve problems, provide navigational guidance and build connections.

Explore Now
Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

Our peer-reviewed online publication provides an opportunity for you to publish your research. Publication can help you prepare for advanced studies at top graduate programs or demonstrate knowledge and skills when applying for non-academic positions.

Read More

Advanced Research Opportunities

The philosophy departmental honors major offers an opportunity for students to complete a challenging individual research project and to work independently under the direction of one of their professors.

Departmental honors students take 10 credits of designated honors courses (in addition to the 50 credits required for the major) and write a 25 to 40 page thesis during their senior year.

High-Demand Skills for Law Career and More

Philosophy graduates possess a range of skills that employers identify as enormously valuable: clear and analytical thinking, persuasive writing and speaking, creative problem solving and insightful questioning.

Data shows that people with bachelor’s degrees in philosophy tend to earn more over their lifetime than people with degrees in any other humanities field.

Philosophy students have both the highest starting salary of any humanities major and the highest percent increase between starting and mid‐career salary).

Our students often go on to graduate study. Many select the major or minor as an integral element in their preparation for law school.

Philosophy majors consistently perform best or near best on graduate school admission exams and the LSAT year after year compared to other majors.

Hear From Our Alumni

SU Alumni Rachel Yonek

Rachael Yonek

“Since graduating I’ve moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I have started the PhD program in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. Studying philosophy at Seattle U opened up my world to new questions, perspectives, and methodologies. It’s difficult for me not to go on endlessly about how much I love and cherish SU’s Philosophy department. The Philosophy department is where I found my ideal academic experience.”

BA '16

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

Discover More Programs to Explore

Program Directory

  • Anthropology & Sociology, BA

    Major, Minor

    In the interdisciplinary anthropology and sociology major, you’ll gain a foundation in both disciplines and study power dynamics related to race, gender, sexuality, economy and the environment.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Communication & Media, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a communication and media major, you will learn the skills and strategies to communicate ethically and effectively in every way—verbally, in writing, visually and digitally.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Environmental Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As an environmental studies major, you’ll learn data analysis tools, critical thinking and communication skills to move our communities toward a more sustainable future.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, BA

    Major

    In the nationally top-ranked interdisciplinary liberal studies major, you’ll choose courses to explore complex real-world issues that interest you.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • International Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As an international studies major, you’ll gain solid academic foundations in a rigorous, holistic program. Through transformative international experiences you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Political Science, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a political science major, you will explore the realities of political behavior at local, state, national and international levels.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Psychology, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a psychology major, you’ll explore the many aspects of psychological life using reflective and empirical methods in a variety of areas.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Theatre, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a theatre major, you will receive a rigorous education that includes acting, directing, design, and history. With your strong theatre training, you will be prepared to enter the theatre community.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Theology & Religious Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a theology and religious studies major, you’ll explore multiple aspects of religion, including ethics, spirituality and sacred texts. You’ll be prepared for work in a variety of careers.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    The women, gender and sexuality studies major provides an in-depth and holistic approach to studying gender, sexuality, and the diversity of women’s lived experiences in the United States and abroad.

    • Bachelor of Arts

Contact Us!