International Direct - Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy offers strong major and minor programs. We offer a wide variety of courses that develop students' abilities to analyze arguments, to read closely, to write precisely, and to approach profound questions creatively. Philosophy majors enjoy many opportunities to work with faculty members who are both active scholars and skillful teachers. Many of our majors go on to graduate study, especially in law and humanities disciplines. Philosophy majors develop fruitful careers in many fields, including business, health care, law, religious vocation, social services, and teaching.

Philosophy majors at UD receive broad training in the liberal arts and sciences. All philosophy majors complete the Bachelor of Arts liberal studies curriculum in which students study literature, the creative and performing arts, foreign language, and the social sciences, as well as completing an integrated sequence of natural science courses.

The University of Dayton's Department of Philosophy has one of the largest faculties in the Midwest. The philosophy faculty members have a wide range of scholarly and teaching interests.

Philosophy naturally complements other areas of study. Philosophy students are encouraged to complete second majors in biology, communication, economics, English, history, international studies, languages, physics, political science, premedicine, psychology, religious studies, and sociology. Concentrations can be developed in any area within the College of Arts and Sciences or in other areas such as management, finance, and marketing.

Each year, the Richard R. Baker Philosophy Colloquium brings outstanding speakers to campus to present and discuss their research. Recent colloquium topics have included "Building Coalitions Across Difference," "Philosophy and Psychopathology," "Exploring Jane Addams," "Ethics and the Professions," "Ecofeminist Perspectives," "Moral Agency and the Fragmented Self," and "Christian Humanism and Secular Humanism." Some colloquia have focused on individual philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Sartre. These events provide students with the opportunity to meet well known philosophers and see them in action.

The department also sponsors the John Thompson Christian Philosophy lectureship which features distinguished philosophers of religion.