Philosophy

Features of the Philosophy Program

• Interactive Classes – philosophical ideas explored through discussion and debates
• All-Female Faculty – unique emphasis on the contribution of women to philosophy
• Professional Development – develop skills sought by employers such as clear and informed communication and critical thinking
• Social Responsibility – special focus on current social justice issues including equity, race, LGBTQ+, the environment, socioeconomics, etc.

Customize Your Education

At NDMU, our strength is our ability to weave your unique interests into your individual education. Adding a minor to your degree or pursuing an accelerated dual-degree program is a great way to craft an experience that aligns to your aspirations.

Philosophy Minor

The Minor in Philosophy is versatile because the critical thinking and communication skills developed in our program can be an asset to any major or career path. The applied ethics courses in particular can have direct relevance to strong leadership and decision-making.

Majors that often add a philosophy minor include: Biology, Criminology, English, Nursing, Political Science, and Psychology.

Accelerated Dual-Degree Programs

Dual-degree programs offer a unique opportunity to earn multiple degrees in an accelerated format, saving both time and money.

Pathway to Law School

If your ultimate goal is to attend law school, an undergraduate degree in philosophy can provide the foundation of analytical reasoning and writing skills needed to be successful. Our partnership with University of Baltimore School of Law offers an accelerated pathway for qualified students to earn any Bachelor of Arts degree at NDMU and a Juris Doctorate from UB in six years instead of seven.

Research

One of the hallmarks of the rich educational environment at NDMU is the opportunity to participate in research in your field of interest. Our annual Nancy Kreiter Student Research Day provides the perfect forum to showcase your hard work with a formal research presentation to the NDMU community.

Capstone Experience

In the fourth year, philosophy majors take everything learned over four years to complete a senior research thesis as a culminating capstone project. Under faculty guidance, a philosophical topic of interest is chosen to explore in greater depth and develop into a thesis.

The capstone experience is an opportunity to reflect on your growth, further explore your interests, and prepare to present your work professionally.

Get Involved

Ethics Bowl

The regional Ethics Bowl is an opportunity to use the skills developed in the Philosophy program to compete against other colleges and universities in a challenging debate-style competition. Each year, the Philosophy Department sponsors a team of students to represent NDMU.

The team receives a book of cases several months in advance and meets as a class over the course of the semester to evaluate the ethical issues presented in each case. When it’s time to compete, the team must be ready to present the cases, debate the issues, and respond to counterarguments and challenges by the judges.

Clubs & Honor Societies

The philosophy department at NDMU offers opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom through clubs and activities throughout the semester. Join the Philosophy Club for student-led activities or if eligible, become a member of Phi Sigma Tau, our chapter of the national philosophy honor society.

Philosophy Careers

The ability to think critically, present a reasoned argument, and make ethical decisions are skills that often stand out to future employers. A degree in philosophy can be particularly well-suited as a foundation for pursuing professional programs such as law or medicine.

Graduates of the NDMU philosophy program have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and careers in fields including:

• Business
• Education
• Healthcare Administration
• Law
• Medicine
• Politics
• Public Policy
• Theatre