Students who study philosophy learn to think clearly and independently. They become leaders and problem-solvers.

Philosophy teaches a number of skills that are valuable in a variety of professions. The hallmark of philosophy education is critical thinking and inductive reasoning. Additionally, philosophy demonstrates that problems often have multiple solutions, and teaches students to approach problems from a number of different perspectives. Philosophy is not a collection of facts to be memorized — it is a methodological approach to thinking and problem-solving, which prepares graduates for leadership. Students who study philosophy score higher than other majors on the tests for graduate programs, especially in law (LSAT) and on the verbal and analytical writing sections of the GRE.  After graduation, philosophy majors can expect to earn more than graduates in any other humanities major and to have higher average salaries than those with bachelor's degrees in Chemistry, Biology, or Psychology. People who hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy realize success in the professional world, becoming entrepreneurs, editors, actors, writers, business owners, computer technicians, directors of non-profits, and leaders in many other fields.  Those who go on to graduate school become lawyers, physicians, professors, and more. 

Our Philosophy Department offers a diverse and world-renowned faculty and a wide variety of classes, many of which satisfy university requirements. Our faculty members and students take part in exciting programs on Southern's campus, including the Honors College, Interdisciplinary courses, and Women's & Gender Studies. We also host the renowned Metaphilosophy Journal and the Research Center on Values in Emerging Science and Technology.