Philosophy
Department Chair: Dr. Paul Jacobson
The Philosophy Department is dedicated to engaging students, regardless of major, in the study of wisdom and meaning. A range of courses help students develop an appreciation for critical thinking and to understand basic questions and traditions. Through free and open inquiry, students learn to hold a fundamental respect for the dignity and freedom of humanity and regard for the importance of social issues, so that ultimately they become active contributors in creating a just society.
What can you do with a Philosophy degree?
While the study of philosophy has its own inherent value, it can also have meaningful
career opportunities. Students interested in post-graduate philosophy studies, leading to a research or teaching career in higher education, will be well served by the quality of faculty and classes at St. Ambrose. While such career opportunities are competitive, in recent years St. Ambrose philosophy majors have been accepted into graduate programs at the University of Illinois, University of Iowa, Marquette University, Southern Illinois University, University of Notre Dame, University of Tennessee, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
A major in Philosophy is excellent preparation and background for students intending
to pursue a legal career. With a pre-professional degree in Philosophy, students heading to law school will have gained training that will give them an advantage in their advanced
legal studies. In fact, in recent years philosophy majors nationally have placed second best on the LSAT and do better in gaining admissions to graduate programs than Science, Economics and Political Science majors. Many of today’s top employers seek graduates with an understanding of the complex ethical dimensions of their profession. In conjunction with other departments, the philosophy department has developed courses such as business ethics, bio-medical ethics, and environmental ethics that are especially relevant to the decision makers and problem-solvers who deal with these issues.
Degrees offered
St. Ambrose offers a major in Philosophy as either a first or second major and a choice of three minors (Philosophy, Applied Ethics, or History of Philosophy). Students majoring in Philosophy take at least 11 courses (33 credit hours) in the field, including upper-level course work in ethics and the history of philosophy, and a senior capstone seminar. Elective options include directed readings and special seminars. A second major or a minor in Philosophy is very obtainable and can provide an extra dimension of understanding and versatility in pursuing a career or post-graduate studies. A second major in Philosophy can be earned by taking nine courses (27 credit hours).
A Philosophy minor can be earned by taking five courses (15 credit hours). Because all St. Ambrose graduates can apply up to three philosophy courses toward satisfying general education requirements, with a little advance planning a minor in Philosophy can be completed with only two additional courses. See our course catalog at www.sau.edu/catalog for a full description of required and elective courses.