Philosophy Major Opens Many Doors

In almost any career scenario, philosophy majors at Stonehill have the opportunity to tailor their research and learning in ways that give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace. 

Program Overview

What makes life worth living? Is time travel possible? Is beauty merely in the eye of the beholder?

If you love thinking about big questions like these, then philosophy at Stonehill College is for you. As a philosophy major, you will connect with professors who are passionate about exploring all aspects of the human experience. They will encourage you to engage in deep and rigorous thinking on a journey that unfolds in small classes where lifelong friendships develop.

In addition to providing a solid foundation in the history and central principles of philosophy with courses on great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Heidegger and Nietzsche, the major is designed to provide the flexibility to delve into the philosophical questions and issues that intrigue you the most.  

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Philosophy Courses

Biomedical Ethics

This course involves the discussion and resolution of ethical problems associated with the practice of medicine and the pursuit of biomedical research. Topics include: ethical issues in human experimentation; euthanasia; abortion; fetal research; and reproductive technologies.

Asian Philosophies

What is the nature of the self? What is the divine like? How should we live? What happens when we die? In this course, we discuss answers to these and many other questions from some of the rich philosophical traditions outside the Western world.

Philosophy of Film

Film and video have become increasingly important and pervasive in our world. This course will examine what philosophical theories might teach us about film, and it will interrogate film in order to find out what it might teach us about philosophy as a way of questioning reality and discerning or creating meaning.

Minds, Brains and Technology

This course is a discussion of questions that lie at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience and philosophy, including: How are psychological states like pain related to brain states? Could a digital computer have beliefs? Feel pain? Fall in love? What can brain-based psychological disorders teach us about the mind? Will advances in neuroscience show that we are not free? That we are not morally responsible?

A Foundation that Enhances Any Career

Studying philosophy prepares students for professional life by fostering the skills necessary for effective leadership, including the ability to:

  • Think critically and objectively
  • Write with clarity and precision
  • Extract the main ideas from source material
  • Devise creative solutions to complex problems
  • Identify common ground between opposing sides
  • Develop persuasive argument

Our students have gone on to successful careers in:

  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Education
  • Social service
  • Business

According to payscale.com, those with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy have higher starting salaries than all other liberal arts majors. In addition, a study conducted by the National Institute of Education found that philosophy majors consistently scored higher than nearly all other majors on both the GRE and the LSAT. It also found that philosophy majors tend to score 15% higher than business majors on the GMAT.

Pursue a minor in ethical leadership

The ethical leadership minor prepares you to act and lead with justice and compassion in a diverse and uncertain world.

Where Our Philosophy Graduates Work

Stonehill Philosophy students have successfully gone on to pursue advanced degrees and parlay their studies into careers that span a broad spectrum of professions. Continue exploring where our graduates work

Value that Cannot be Measured on a Balance Sheet

In a world that increasingly attempts to commoditize education, philosophy reminds us of the value of learning as an end unto itself. By giving students the tools to examine themselves and their world, philosophy, perhaps more than any other discipline, offers enrichment in ways that cannot be measured on a balance sheet.

Philosophy is the greatest discipline of all, from which other disciplines follow — English, history, government, math. It gives you an ability to be analytical about a problem.

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Contact Information

Brendan O'Sullivan

Brendan O'Sullivan

Associate Professor of Philosophy, Philosophy Department Chair