Introduction
Among the oldest of intellectual disciplines, philosophy concerns fundamental questions of human existence. “What are our moral duties to others?” “What is knowledge, and do we have any?” “What is the ultimate nature of reality?” The Philosophy Major engages questions such as these with a variety of courses in ethics, epistemology, logic, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy. Through a collaborative study of these topics, students develop valuable skills like active reading, critical thinking, analytical writing, and effective speaking.
Why Consider a Philosophy Major?
Work in philosophy fits well into many pre-professional programs, including those for law, medicine, and business. Indeed, studies have consistently shown that philosophy majors are among the top performers on qualifying exams such as the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and the Graduate Required Exam (GRE). More generally, by training students to carefully engage with complex problems in creative new ways, the Philosophy major is excellent preparation for any career that involves critical thinking and analytic reasoning.
Student Resources
Department website: Philosophy
Contact information:
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample careers: Attorney, Analyst, Professor, Management Consultant, Journalist or Editor
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Open major
Open majors can be declared by new and continuing students in good standing without additional requirements. All students are eligible for Direct Admission to Major at the time of admission to the university, subject to space availability.
Students who began their studies at WWU before the 2026-2027 academic year may declare their major by completing the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and meeting the major’s retention requirements (if applicable).
Students wishing to declare should contact the department chair or manager. Additional information is available on the department website.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
