Get Ready — For Philosophy at OHIO
You did it. You’re going to college!!
Don’t worry about it—we’ve got you covered.
We’re your Philosophy Department faculty and advisers, and we’ll be here to greet you when you arrive for Bobcat Student Orientation, guide you through your first semester transition to college, and celebrate as you walk across the stage at graduation.
You're here because...
- You 're interested in fundamental questions about human knowledge, the structure of reality, the characteristics of a just society, the nature of a life well-lived, how to reason carefully….
- A degree in the Philosophy gives you the skills you need to blaze your own trail.
We're here to help you graduate on plan and on time...
Question #1: What can you do with a Philosophy major?
- While the possibilities are endless, the career path of a Philosophy major will depend a lot on your interests and initiative. Philosophers are trained to think, speak, and write clearly, critically, and independently. That means philosophy majors are positioned to make significant contributions in business, non-profits, education and a wide array of settings in which these skills are prized. See more.
See more FAQs...because we know you're wondering.
Hi, I'm James Petrik, chair of the Philosophy Department. Drop by my office if you want to talk about early modern philosophy, the philosophy of religion—or other things that interest you.
Here's one of my best pieces of advice for you:
- Get to know your professors—they are going to be your references for grad school and jobs—and they’ll be part of your Forever OHIO memories.
You can see us all in the Faculty Directory.
Links to check out — Conversations to have
- Class of 2025 Spirit (opens in a new window) -- including fun downloadables!
- Important Info for Admitted Students
Chats: Please check out in-person and virtual visit options to talk with advisers, faculty, and students.
Footsteps to follow | Eric Smaw Has 'Keen Eye for the Suspicious Premise'
"The classwork and thesis writing provided me with the educational foundation necessary for pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy, but the experiences of reading, thinking, writing, re-reading, reconsidering, and rewriting were most important for my development as a philosopher," says Eric Smaw.
He's a professor of Philosophy at Rollins College.
You might wonder...
Q. What classes will I take my first year?
A. We'll help you figure out your schedule at Bobcat Student Orientation.
Most students take PHIL 1010 (Fundamentals of Philosophy) and PHIL 1300 (Introduction to Ethical Theory) in their first year. Both classes are required for the B.A. and also serve as prerequisites for higher level coursework.
PHIL 1200 (Principles of Reasoning) is another excellent first-year course that builds reasoning skills crucial to the pursuit of philosophy.
Q. Will someone help me figure out my path through the major?
A. Yes! You will be assigned a faculty adviser within the Philosophy Department who will meet with you each semester as you make your plans. They will help you keep on track and make sure you are aware of the fantastic opportunities we offer.
Q. What kinds of support services and resources will be available to me?
A. Take advantage of office hours, group study, and time in class to ask questions and get help!
Q. What kinds of social experiences are there, such as clubs or organizations?
A. The Philosophy Circle, a student run philosophy club, provides undergraduates the chance to gather outside of class to discuss philosophical issues. Also, department lecture series afford students the chance to interact with leading philosophers.
Q: Is study abroad an option? What about internships?
Yes! Many philosophy majors take advantage of the numerous study abroad options offered through the Office of Global Opportunities.
We also offer several internship possibilities, which will allow you to get out there, meet valuable contacts, and hone your skills for the job market.
Q. How does the math placement work?
A. Your initial placement depends on your ACT Math score, or, any classes that you transfer in, including AP credit.
Q. How does the foreign language placement work?
If you have prior experience or speaking ability with a foreign language, you can take a Language Placement Exam prior to registering for a language course. This placement will help you fulfill the foreign language requirement.