Fact Sheets

Philosophy @ MSUM

The study of philosophy develops the ability to solve problems, communicate, organize ideas and issues, assess competing perspectives and boil down complex data. It is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for understanding, a study of principles of conduct. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments.

What can philosophy do for you? 

  • Philosophy develops the capacity to see the world from the perspective of other individuals and cultures.
  • It enhances one's ability to perceive the relationships among various fields of study.
  • It deepens one's understanding of the varieties of human experience.
  • People trained in philosophy are prepared for many tasks--they can cope with change, or even move into new careers more easily.

Career Opportunities
People trained in philosophy enter teaching professions (at all levels), medicine, law, computer science, management, publishing, sales, criminal justice and public relations. Most fields employ people educated in philosophy. MSUM's Philosophy Department guides students the critical thinking and analytical writing skills that are valued by most professional employers. The generalist approach of philosophy gives graduates the ability to handle complex information, the capability to adapt to changing ideas and technologies, and a framework of reason to guide one's personal life.

Program Benefits

  • MSUM's philosophy program is the largest in the region, and it's the most conveniently located program for most North Dakota residents.
  • MSUM is one of only two schools in the region where feminist philosophy is offered.
  • MSUM is part of the Tri-College University of Moorhead-Fargo, which allows majors to expand their study with philosophy faculty at Concordia College and NDSU.
  • Majors have opportunities to work closely with faculty by conducting research or doing independent study.
  • MSUM's philosophy program provides all majors with a detailed breakdown of skills and abilities that are to be developed in the major. Self analysis is provided by compiling a portfolio of students writing.
  • A philosophy major is an excellent complement to prepare students for graduate programs, particularly students going into seminary, law school and other professional programs. Nationally, philosophy majors average the highest scores in the GRE verbal test, and the second highest scores on both the GMAT and the LSAT.
  • Recent faculty research interests have included religious pluralism, alternatives to war, the aesthetic dimensions of popular culture, ethics, classical philosophy, gay and lesbian studies, social philosophy, and feminist theory.