Minor Available
125 credits
125 credits
required for program
Minor Available
Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
Philosophy
Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts
- Undergraduate
Communicate ideas that matter. Get relevant Bible training to inform your study of philosophy. Develop valuable skills in creative problem solving. Explore what is real, what we can know, how we should think, and how we should live. Connect with Christian philosophers like you who think deeper. Grow in your faith as you see how God is acting in the world. Be prepared for graduate study in any field. Find meaning in life.
Why study philosophy at Northwestern?
Examine philosophy through the lens of Christian theology. Begin to see how everything exists in Christ. “For in Christ all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible … He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 NIV
Ideas are powerful. Learn to evaluate and communicate them effectively.
Get a degree with exceptional earning potential. Employers value creative problem solving and analytical abilities. Studying philosophy will help you excel in these skills.
4 main areas of philosophy
Enjoy thought-provoking discussions as you learn more about philosophy:
- Ethics (how we should live)
- Metaphysics (the nature of reality)
- Logic (rules for reasoning)
- Epistemology (the nature of knowledge)
Explore connections between ideas. Respond to important ethical issues facing our world today. Learn to think clearly. Discover concepts that shape worldview.
Study philosophers from ancient times to the present.
Opportunities to grow
Find your mission as you build your resume:
- Work with faculty on research projects
- Share your insights by presenting at a conference
- Participate in monthly science & theology chapels
- Consider adding a minor of your choice
- Apply for Northwestern's prestigious Eagle Scholars honors program for high-achieving students
- Take assessments to discover your God-given personality, strengths and values
Listen to Steven and Marie talk about their experience in the philosophy major.
If you have a passion for exploring ideas, understanding current issues, and finding creative solutions, this might be the right degree for you.
What will I learn?
You will learn to communicate effectively, think deeper, and analyze key philosophical concepts.
One of the most important lectures that I remember was why philosophy is important… I've talked about metaphysics with a pizza delivery guy, I've talked about theism with agnostics, I've talked about the nature of reality with atheists. The encouragement and teaching of UNW philosophy professors have really made an impression on me. I now try to do the same with others.
Careers in philosophy
A degree in philosophy will benefit you in any career.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Consulting
- Teaching (additional education may be needed)
- Research
- Administration
- Academic affairs
- Foreign service
- Library sciences
- Law enforcement
- Bioethics
- Environmental ethics or policy
- Law-related pursuits
- Politics
- Legislative, executive, or judicial services
- Public policy/analysis
Who employs people with this degree?
- Special interest groups
- Labor unions
- Research organizations and think tanks
- Mission agencies
- Churches and parachurch organizations
- Environmental agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Hospitals, medical, and professional schools
- Nonprofit organizations
- Law firms
- Consulting firms
- Federal, state, or local governments
Philosophy
%}
graduates earn top scores nationwide on GRE and LSAT exams
95%
of seniors received relevant and appropriate preparation for their field
Graduates
of philosophy double their income in the first 10 years of employment
Preparing for a Career
College graduation rates continue to increase each year making competition for jobs even greater. Set yourself apart from the crowd with the following strategies for getting started, networking, and gaining experience.
Strategies for success:
- It is important for philosophy students to identify potential career goals and seek out the experiences and education required to enter those fields.
- An undergraduate degree qualifies one for entry-level positions in business, nonprofit organizations and government.
- Join related student or professional organizations. Work toward leadership roles.
- Develop knowledge in other areas such as mathematics, medical or business ethics, science, or religion.
- A high GPA and faculty recommendations are key when applying to graduate programs.
- A PhD is required for college/university teaching and research.
- Seek related summer or part-time work experience or internships in area(s) of interest.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in fields of interest.
Professional associations:
- American Philosophical Association
- American Society for Bioethics and Humanities
- Association for Practical and Professional Ethics
- Society for Business Ethics
- Evangelical Philosophical Society
- American Philosophical Practitioners Association
- Society of Biblical Literature
- The Evangelical Theological Society
- The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity
Discover the Department of Biblical & Theological Studies
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
Meet the staff Explore the department