Philosophy

Our major is supported by a developing internship program, and it includes a capstone course resulting in a senior thesis which prepares students well for the job market or graduate school. The major is also an excellent fit for the 3+3 pre-law program with UMass Dartmouth. A new course—PHL 225 Critical Reasoning and the Law—has been added as an elective to facilitate students’ progress toward the completion of pre-law degree.

Students in the major develop the ability to:

• Analyze and evaluate arguments
• Effectively communicate and critically assess diverse points of view
• Apply the tools of philosophical analysis to contemporary problems and debates
• Generate ideas as well as formulate and solve problems
• Integrate diverse data and summarize complex material
• Elicit hidden assumptions and identify prejudicial and biased thinking

Most importantly, understood in its classical sense as the practice of reflection and sustained self-examination, Philosophy is the practice of living meaningfully. Students pursuing a degree in philosophy not only learn valuable skills that will help them in their careers, but they also learn to ask important questions about how to live and live well, what it means to be a citizen in today’s world, and how to engage in a dialogue with positions and views different from their own.

Philosophy majors regularly outperform all other majors on the GRE, the LSAT, and the MCAT. So, if you are interested in graduate school, a philosophy major prepares you for success. In addition, majors in philosophy also fare better than other liberal arts majors (and many “career” majors) in terms of salary and career earnings. In fact, philosophy majors are the highest paid class of liberal arts graduates of 2016, while at the same time having among the highest employment rate. A philosophy degree prepares you not only to live well, but to do well in your chosen profession.

Listen to a podcast about philosophy at Salem State.

The education in philosophy changed my life and my way of thinking. Philosophy pushes one to learn to view and assess everything, especially arguments, in a completely different manner. It is as if you must unlearn what you have learned most of your life and allow your brain to be challenged in newer ways. My love for Philosophy solidified my desire to pursue a law degree and enabled me to succeed. – Sarah Accar '16

My favorite memory is of my participation in the North Shore Undergraduate Philosophy Conference hosted at Salem State in 2017. Having the chance to present an essay I wrote, discuss it, and receive feedback from peers and professors was a great opportunity. The post-conference dinner with the Philosophy Club at Bertini’s was, likewise, a fun time that led to much continued, worthwhile discussion. - Jeremy Mele '17

Salem State's philosophy faculty specialize in a wide range of fields and interests, including theological ethics, metaphysics, environmental philosophy, political philosophy and many others. Learn more about our faculty's background and research.

Philosophy students go on to pursue a number of careers and further educational opportunities. Highlights from previous graduates include:

Rachel Kaplan '16 graduated with a BS in psychology and a BA in philosophy. She is completing her graduate studies in applied developmental psychology and intends to apply her knowledge to clinical work and research in psychology.

Jaakov Lipsker '18 graduated with a BA in philosophy. He is pursing a PhD at the Kekst Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.

Caitlin McCarriston '17 graduated with a BS in philosophy. She is pursuing her masters in social work at Simmons University, and she is also a practicing child and family therapist at the mental health and suicide prevention non-profit called Minding Your Mind.

Sarah Accar '16 graduated with a BS in psychology and a philosophy major. She just completed her law degree studies and passed the Massachusetts Bar Examination. Sarah was awarded the 2021 Clinical Legal Education Award for excellence in clinic fieldwork and for exceptionally thoughtful, self-reflective participation in an accompanying clinic seminar in Immigration Law.