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Philosophy

School of Humanities

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Baldwin Wallace University has discontinued the philosophy major and is no longer accepting applications as of spring 2024. BW will continue to offer a minor and elective courses in philosophy. View majors.

Undergraduate Admission

(440) 826-2222, admission@bw.edu 

OVERVIEW

Intellectually stimulating. Intrinsically rewarding. Philosophy is a dynamic major that builds competencies in critical thinking, argumentation and communication. Its real-world focus fosters innovative thinking and leadership attributes applicable to careers in law, business, education, journalism, medicine and public service.

Coursework is rigorous, theoretical and practical. You'll study classic philosophers, engage in Socratic dialog and probe contemporary issues. You'll explore your own values, opinions and presuppositions as you delve into complex topics.

Personal attention, faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary opportunities are at the forefront of the major. You'll supplement classroom studies with enriching experiential learning opportunities, including independent study projects, internships and study abroad.

Philosophy offers outstanding preparation for graduate and professional school as well as workplace opportunities. It teaches you to address topics and questions in a critical, systematic way. It fosters ethical decision-making and builds skills in reasoning, problem-solving and oral and written communication.

Gain an edge for LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE

Because it builds strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, Philosophy offers excellent preparation for the entrance exams required for law, medicine, business, computer science and engineering schools as well as other disciplines. Students interested in these career areas can benefit from majoring or minoring in Philosophy.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Managers/administrators
  • Social policy/government
  • Sales executives
  • Human resource managers
  • Journalists/writers
  • Legal professionals

CURRICULUM

Offered as a major and minor, philosophy enables you to have a customized approach to your studies. In conjunction with a faculty advisor, you'll create a personalized plan for coursework and experiential learning that addresses your professional interests and career goals.

An outstanding companion field of study, philosophy supports and enhances the disciplines of psychology, English, communications, theatre, economics, business and computer science. Because it has a moderate number of course requirements, it is often chosen as a second major or minor.

The philosophy major prepares students to:

  • Demonstrate competence in inquiry and analysis (critical thinking)
  • Demonstrate competence in ethical reasoning and action
  • Demonstrate competence in written communication
  • Demonstrate facility in engagement with big questions/knowledge of history of philosophy

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Student success is a top priority. Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's program.

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities.

On campus, philosophy students are regularly recognized for their achievements.

Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. It provides a forum where interested and competent students can communicate and exchange ideas with faculty and students of similar interest at BW and throughout the world.

At the annual Honors Ceremony in the spring, recognitions include the Delo C. Grover Scholarship and Dr. Laura Anders Canis Philosophy Scholarship.

Philosophy students are also eligible for the Georgianna & Alfred B. Bonds, Jr. Scholarship and Gibler Scholarship (for students planning to pursue a career in ministry, medicine or law).

Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:

STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Philosophy Club-Le Café Philosophique
Have you ever thought about what it really means to be "connected"? Or perhaps you've craved an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion about universal topics like life and death, love and hate, peace and war, joy and sadness? BW's Café Philosophique, or Café-Philo for short, encourages students to gather and explore myriad subjects in a respectful dialogue format where every individual is heard and can speak freely.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Baldwin Wallace has long championed the success of its students. Evidence of this can be seen in the extraordinary achievements of its alumni spread throughout the United States and the world.

Paul KrausePaul Krause '15 is pursuing an M.A. in theology and political theology at Yale University Divinity School. As an undergraduate at BW, the Parma, Ohio, native conducted research in China, presented at the 2014 ASIANetwork academic conference in Chicago and had two papers published in academic journals.

Caitlin LewinsCaitlin Lewins '10 is an actor, musician, writer and director based in Cleveland. She was recently awarded a Nord Family Foundation Playwright Fellowship with Cleveland Public Theatre. This prestigious fellowship supports emerging playwrights as they develop new works. Caitlin is from Cleveland.

FACULTY

Kelly Coble

Chair, Philosophy Department
Ph.D., Philosophy, DePaul University

Kelly Coble

Full-Time Faculty

Kelly Coble
Chair, Philosophy Department
Professor
Ph.D., DePaul University

James Garrison
Assistant Professor
University of Vienna

Adjunct Faculty

Timothy Harasimchuk
Lecturer
M.A., Cleveland State University