Your Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree
Philosophy students acquire knowledge of ethics, logic, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, epistemology, metaphysics, and other areas that provide excellent intellectual foundations for careers in law, government service, education, ministry, and many other fields.
The study of philosophy enables students to explore critically a variety of systems of beliefs and values, to identify and challenge the foundations of their own beliefs and values, and to develop sound habits of critical thinking and communication—skills that are central to success in all professions.
Pre Law
This option is designed for students preparing for legal studies. It places less emphasis on the history of philosophy and incorporates more ethics, more writing, and a foundation in political science. In addition, it allows more opportunity for a broad study in supporting areas of the liberal arts.
General
The General Philosophy degree option is most appropriate for students wanting a broad and well-balanced grounding in the whole field of philosophy, and for those intending to go on to graduate work in philosophy, theology, or other areas.
Philosophy is excellent preparation for graduate school.
Philosophy majors, as a group, generally outperform students from almost all other disciplines when it comes to entrance exams for graduate school—the GRE (general exam for graduate school), the LSAT (law school exam), and even the MCAT (medical school exam).
EXPAND YOUR MIND WITH PHILOSOPHY
Ethics Bowl
The Ethics Bowl is a regional and a national debate competition, organized by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE). Ethics Bowl is open to all undergraduates with an interest in applied ethics and improving their debating skills.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial is both a club and a class, led by a local attorney. This dynamic group will master the American Mock Trial Association’s annual case problem and compete against other colleges and universities from across the United States. The students must master specific roles as either witnesses or attorneys and the work is a combination of legal trial practice and theater.
Philosophy Club
Philosophy Club is a student led club that meets weekly, invites students of all backgrounds and majors, with participation from Philosophy professors, and discusses a variety of philosophical topics, such as the Philosophy of Friendship, as well as topics that arise in Philosophy classes.
Pre-Law Society
The Pre-Law Society promotes the personal and professional development of our membership with the goal of engaging with guest speakers from the legal field, law school admissions, internship facilitation and preparation for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
Your Philosophy Advisor
Diane Scott
Academic Advisor
Johnson Tower 801
509-335-2545
scottdj@wsu.edu
Diane Scott advises undergraduate students for Philosophy majors, and all minors in the School of Politics, Philosophy & Public Affairs. Diane’s goal is to provide excellent academic advising, assist you in your academic career, and to ensure persistence to graduation.
You can make an appointment with Diane by emailing at scottdj@wsu.edu, by the bookings link: Diane Scott’s Outlook Calendar and drop-ins are also welcome.
Featured Faculty
Michael Goldsby
Dr. Michael Goldsby studies philosophy of science (general, as well as biology, ecology, climate science and epidemiology), epistemology, environmental ethics/policy.
Dr. Goldsby regularly teaches Formal Logic, Philosophy of Science and coaches Ethics Bowl and advises Philosophy Club.
Callie Phillips
Dr. Callie Phillips studies Linguistic and mental content theory, practical rationality, metaphysics, methodology, realism in metaphysics
Dr. Phillips regularly teaches Critical Thinking & Writing, Philosophy of Language, Introduction to Philosophy and Metaphysics.
Bill Kabasenche
Dr. Bill Kabasenche studies bioethics, ethics of health care professions, ethics of biotechnologies, and research ethics.
Dr. Kabasenche regularly teaches Bioethics, Introduction to Ethics, Environmental Ethics as well as coaching Ethics Bowl.
Samantha Noll
Dr. Samantha Noll studies Bioethics, food and agricultural ethics, social movements, social and political philosophy (focusing on Justice), ethics of biotechnology, and environmental philosophy.
Dr. Noll regularly teaches Philosophy of Food, Biomedical Ethics, Enviromental Ethics and Philosophy of Technology.
