Prospective Students

Why Study Philosophy?

Two main reasons why one should consider majoring in philosophy are:

Philosophical education is rewarding

Many people find the study of philosophy fascinating because it provides students with the opportunity to consider the most basic questions concerning the nature of reality, human knowledge, and morality. These questions are relevant to all of us, and in attempting to answer them, we better understand who we are, our commitments, and what we wish to accomplish in life. In the process of searching for answers and formulating our own positions, we are challenged to critically examine our foundational beliefs, considering whether they are rationally justified and logically consistent, and becoming more aware of what they entail. Additionally, in the process of learning how past and contemporary philosophers have answered these questions, we are exposed to some of the finest examples of philosophical creativity and methodology, fascinating in themselves and also of interest due to their instrumental value in helping us find new frameworks for investigation.

Philosophical education provides career preparation

A major in philosophy provides students with important practical skills necessary for success in any professional career. Studying philosophy helps students develop skills in critical thinking, logic, communication, and analytic writing, as evidenced by the performance of philosophy students on standardized tests. In 2013, philosophy students scored highest as a group in both the verbal and analytic sections of the GRE, and philosophy is consistently among the top-scoring majors on the LSAT and GMAT. Law schools are interested in philosophy students due to their abilities in critical thinking and argumentation, and businesses value them for their problem-solving skills and intellectual creativity. Technical fields, too, appreciate a background in philosophy. For example, a background in ethics is an asset to those entering engineering or the health care professions. In today's fast-changing economy, the transferable skills developed by philosophy students prepare them to be successful in their chosen fields.

WHY STUDY CLASSICS?

CLASSICAL STUDIES PROVIDES PREPARTION FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS

A minor in Classical Studies, including the study of languages, archaeology and art history provides students qualification in critical thinking, problem solving and pattern analysis valuable in a wide range of fields. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

WHY STUDY MEDICAL HUMANITIES AND BIOETHICS?

Provides Diverse Coursework and Clinical Opportunities

Modern day healthcare requires both an understanding of the science of the human body and the humanity of the person receiving care. In this age of technology and AI, the human connection has become even more important toward optimizing patient satisfaction. Ethical decision making is now a standard part of appropriate patient care. The UTA Medical Humanities and Bioethics program includes diverse coursework and opportunities toward earning a Certificate in Medical Humanities or a Minor in Medical Humanities and Bioethics. Medical Humanities and Bioethics at UTA offers students an unique and in-depth educational experience. The student club, Mavericks for Medical Humanities, offers additional unique opportunities such as fun programs and an opportunity to become a published author in: Stimulus: A Medical Humanities Journal.

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Academic Programs

The Department of Philosophy and Humanities offers a B.A. major in Philosophy and B.A. minors in Classical Studies, Medical Humanities and Bioethics, and Philosophy, as well as certificates in both Ethics and Medical Humanities and language instruction in Greek and Latin.

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