Challenge your way of thinking

Embark on a journey of critical thinking and listening. At Iowa, you'll develop valuable skills across diverse fields — from law to academia. You'll learn how to ask and answer the right questions and be prepared for reading and writing in any complex scenario. A degree in philosophy from Iowa will open doors.

Explore undergraduate programs

Goals of philosophical training

  • Think critically and make well-grounded arguments, both orally and in written work
  • Understand key philosophical problems and major traditions
  • Learn variegated approaches to solving problems
  • Detect problems and puzzles that are not readily apparent
  • Critical listening
  • Step-by-step approach to the mastery of public speaking
  • Reading and interpreting all forms of text

Departmental initiatives

  • Applying philosophical concepts to everyday affairs
  • Creating community
    • Undergraduate colloquium series, movie nights, the philosophy club, optional 1-hr lab sections to work more closely with research faculty, the undergraduate journal Labryrinth, and public lectures with distinguished visiting speakers
  • Outreach and engagement
    • For example, through the service-learning course, PHIL:3920 Philosophy in Public, the K-12 Iowa Lyceum Summer Philosophy Institute, and outreach with the Johnson County Senior Center
  • Prompt and helpful advising
  • Career guidance and support
  • Distributing an annual newsletter that connects students with successful alumni

Interested in law school?

Iowa's Department of Philosophy participates in Iowa Law's 3 + 3 program, allowing students to apply to law school in their third year and, if accepted, begin attending law school in what would have been their undergraduate fourth year. This saves a year of tuition and expenses. Students will earn their undergraduate and JD from Iowa in six years instead of seven.