What will I learn?

The philosophy major (33 credits) and minor (15 credits) offer Iowa State University students the opportunity to explore fundamental human questions through reflection and argumentation. Do we have free will? Can machines think? What makes actions right or wrong? What is the nature of knowledge and what can we hope to know? What does justice require, politically and economically? Philosophy classes explore answers to deep questions such as these, encouraging each student to develop and rationally defend their own views. Philosophy offers a structured but flexible program to help students graduate on time while pursuing their interests. 2000-level courses introduce students to essential questions and methods of philosophical thought. In 3000-level courses, students engage in close examination of central topics in both contemporary thought and the history of philosophy. Seminars at the 4000-level offer the opportunity to study topics in-depth alongside a committed team of faculty and students. Philosophy fosters skills of communication and critical thinking that are valuable across work, family, and civic life. The program equips students to logically analyze and develop new responses to the challenges faced by humanity. It also emphasizes clarity of thought and communication as part of rigorous engagement with both abstract and applied areas of thought. These skills of logical analysis, careful reading, original thought, and clear communication are in high demand across different fields of work and post-graduate study. Philosophy majors typically achieve some of the highest scores on standardized tests such as the LSAT and GRE and have mid-career salaries higher than many other majors.

Which department am I in?

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

$31,962.00 (26,96,760) per year

Books and supplies:$800.

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

January 2027

Venue

Iowa Main Campus

100 Enrollment Services Center,

2433 Union Drive,

Ames,

Iowa,

50011, Midwest, United States

Entry requirements

For international students

High school GPA requirement: Equivalent to a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For more information on equivalency calculations. Core course requirements: Along with the GPA requirement, students must complete a minimum set of high school core courses, including four years of English (or their native language), three years of science with at least two years of laboratory science in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, three years of mathematics including algebra and geometry, and two years of social studies.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.