Philosophy | Elizabethtown College

Courses in the Department of Philosophy are designed to explore fundamental issues of knowledge, value and meaning. Our program promotes critical inquiry into basic questions in epistemology, ethics, science, religion, aesthetics and metaphysics.

We are dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach to philosophical discussions ranging from the relationship of science to society, the philosophical implications of art and film, the human-nature relationship, justice and law, ancient philosophy, comparative philosophy and philosophical issues underlying sustainability. These areas of thought are as crucial and controversial today as they were for ancient philosophers.

Minor in Philosophy

Take on a minor in Philosophy and begin to better understand the world around you. A minor in Philosophy complements every discipline of study. Understand argument critique and learn house worldviews are constructed. Learn to articulate what makes life meaningful to you and build your critical thinking skills. You’ll lay groundwork for a general study of philosophy, build critical personal and professional skill sets and take a wide span of classes in ethics, Western philosophy and logic.

Why Study Philosophy at Etown?

When you study Philosophy, you'll examine alternative worldviews and develop your awareness of intellectual history as it relates to today’s societal problems. Elizabethtown College encourages students to apply the study of Philosophy to the understanding and exploration of issues within their own lives and careers.

Six Reasons to Minor or take Core Courses in Philosophy

1. Philosophy is about the meaning of life and about making life more meaningful.

2. Philosophy is at the heart of a liberal arts education because it vastly improves your critical thinking skills, your oral and written communication skills, and it teaches about history and the clash of big ideas that brought us to where we are today.

3. Philosophy imparts the kinds of skills that employers are looking for.

4. Philosophy undergraduate degrees increase employability and salary.

Unemployment for philosophy majors is relatively low (~7%), and median starting salary is $40K.
Mid-career median salary (15 years in) is $82K, greater than the mid-career salary for political science, chemistry, marketing, accounting, English, psychology, nursing and biology majors.

5. Philosophy is a great preparation for graduate school and professional school.

Philosophy majors score among the best on standardized tests required for entrance to programs offering advanced degrees.
Philosophy majors have the highest LSAT scores on average.
Philosophy majors have the highest mean verbal score of all majors, the second highest mean analytics score of all majors and the highest mean quantitative score of all humanities and social science majors on the GRE.
Philosophy majors, nationally, have a higher mean GMAT score than business majors (accounting, finance, management).
Philosophy majors perform well on the MCAT. In fact, many medical schools look favorably upon a major in the humanities as long as the requisite science courses also are taken. Philosophy majors actually have a significantly higher medical school acceptance rate than biology or chemistry majors.

6. Philosophy can be a fun, engaging way to explore issues of the world. It gives students a chance to explore their own opinions and strengthen their views through critical thinking, debate and engagement with peers.

Employability for philosophy studies students

Philosophy, as a minor or core course, translates to a strong foundation for all disciplines. To read more about the success of philosophy graduates see: the Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies 2004 Publication, “A Brief Guide to Employability in Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies”.