
Of the dozens of majors offered at Roosevelt University, philosophy is perhaps the one most closely aligned with the university’s mission to educate socially conscious citizens. Through deep and precise reading in philosophical texts, students not only interrogate essential human questions, they learn thinking, writing and speaking skills that they may use in service of social justice. Philosophy students often go on to careers in law, education, medicine, business, science, mathematics, ministry, social work and many other areas.
In asking students to reevaluate their understanding of the human condition, philosophy courses encourage students to question fundamental beliefs and to appreciate the complexity of controversial subjects. Students learn to discern the important issues in life and become civically engaged. Studies demonstrate that philosophy majors generally have the highest scores of any major on law and graduate school standardized tests, and that the study of philosophy improves performance in STEM fields.
Students learn to read fundamental philosophical texts with precision, nuance, and subtlety, and learn to live a life of wonder, inquiry, and thoughtfulness.
The philosophy program has inquisitive, passionate fellow students from diverse walks of life and a world-class faculty that consistently grapples with the fundamental questions of life. Students have opportunities to engage with world-renowned scholars and a variety of educational programs through the Montesquieu Forum for the Study of Civic Life.
Full-time faculty teach in small classes and provide mentoring to students. Students complete a senior research project designed by the student in consultation with faculty.
The program trained me to think critically and consider thoughts from all points of view. It nurtured my inexperienced writing into a succinct and eloquent style. The professors provided strong guidance for my academics and my career. The skills learned in this program made me a better student and a better attorney.
At RU, philosophy is a way of life — being thoughtful and passionate about big questions; taking pleasure in thinking about the world and our place in it; realizing our first thoughts should not be our last thoughts; and always being guided by the motto, 'Never Ask the End,' for our thinking and engagement about the world is a lifetime commitment.