Philosophy, BA
Earn a Philosophy degree from Seattle University and explore life’s major questions with highly valued critical thinking skills.
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.
Support for Your Development
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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Kimberly Gawlik, JD
Senior Administrative Assistant, Philosophy
Senior Administrative Assistant, Environmental Studies
Jason Wirth, PhD
Professor and Department Chair, Philosophy
Associate Appointment, Film Studies