Explore the Nature of Reality, the Scope, and Limits of Human Understanding, and the Values and Principles of Moral Reasoning

Philosophy is more than pondering life’s big questions. A philosophy degree prepares you for success through coursework designed to educate students on how to evaluate claims, participate in debates and think in an abstract way. Your philosophy degree from Nova Southeastern University gives you the valuable skills you need to get an edge in the career marketplace, where you may pursue a career in fields as diverse as academia, policy work, law, business, advertising or human resources.

NSU’s B.A. in Philosophy will sharpen your reading, writing, analytic and debate skills. Your coursework connects the study of ethics, logic and foundational thought systems with the fields of science, medicine, law, sports and environmentalism. Your strong critical thinking skills will give you an advantage in additional coursework in the humanities and performing and visual arts. Pursue your passion with your skills in analytical thought, communication and leadership and consider options for law school or other graduate studies.

Why Should You Major in Philosophy at NSU?

Become a Thought-Leader

Leaders in law, business and other fields attest to the value of studying philosophy. As a philosophy graduate, you’ll understand how to identify key assumptions and argue rationally for your positions. Studying philosophy prepares you for success in any vocation in which attention to logic and critical thinking are important. You’ll be able to think for yourself, which will help you see beyond the obvious and make you more desirable in today’s competitive career marketplace.

Learn more about Career Preparation

Average Starting Salary

Salaries you can earn with a B.A in Philosophy vary widely because of the many career offerings associated with this degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for individuals with a philosophy and religion degree in 2018 was $54,000. These were the average annual salaries (in 2019) for other roles that philosophy majors may pursue:

  • Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators – $63,690
  • Postsecondary Teachers – $79,540
  • Market Research Analysts - $63,790

Shark Destinations

With a bachelor’s in philosophy, you have a lot of flexibility in job location. You can find employment in public, private, education and government settings. Some of the careers that NSU graduates can pursue include advertising, business, criminal justice, debate coaching, higher education, human resources, law, medicine, ministry, politics and public administration. Additionally, NSU’s B.A. in Philosophy creates a pathway for a number of graduate programs at NSU.

During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real world experience. The Philosophy curriculum includes experiential courses such as Introduction to Philosophy that invite you to impact the world around you by thinking like a philosopher. In this course, you’ll learn to write your own newsworthy opinion editorial by utilizing your foundational understanding of philosophical insights to offer a new voice and perspective on contemporary events. You become the philosopher, using your voice to shed light on important and timely topics.

The NSU Halmos College of Arts and Science’s Center for the Humanities serves as a resource for both students and scholars at NSU and from elsewhere. The center hosts workshops, conferences and other professional development events. You can participate in exciting Center for the Humanities initiatives such as “Story Booth: What’s Your Story?” or by showcasing your own projects as part of the center’s Digital Humanities initiative.

Internships and volunteer work in the community allow you to explore the many industries and fields seeking thoughtful, analytical professionals. Experience personal growth as you study human nature, thought and behavior from various philosophical perspectives. NSU Philosophy students enjoy exclusive access to internships with a diverse array of organizations such as the NSU Halmos College of Arts and Science’s Center for the Humanities, the Council for Dialogue and Democracy and Legal Aid of Broward County.

Learn more about Experiential Learning

Reserve your seat in one of NSU’s graduate or professional schools while you earn your bachelor’s degree. With NSU’s Dual Admission program, you don’t have to worry about competing with thousands of other students for a spot in a highly selective graduate program. This Premier Program gives you an opportunity to get a head start on your career, so you can start earning sooner.

Dual Admission Programs

Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Philosophy major, some sample courses that you could take include Moral Issues, Biomedical Ethics, Ethics in Peace and War and Ethics and Sport. Visit the B.A. in Philosophy curriculum to view detailed course descriptions and plans of study.

View Curriculum

Integrating minors across the arts and science curricula allows NSU's Halmos College undergraduates to be creative and critical thinkers through their diverse learning experiences. You’ll gain fresh perspectives by thinking experientially as well as experimentally.