Philosophy

You have probably noticed that the world is changing very quickly. This means that when you graduate you need to be ready to embrace uncertainty, think creatively, and adapt to new opportunities. At TCNJ, Philosophy is one of the most practical majors you could choose in order to be ready for whatever is waiting for you after you graduate. Employers are looking for graduates with a set of skills that can be applied to any professional context—medicine, law, data analysis, marketing, finance, business, human resources, science, engineering, teaching, and many others. Studying philosophy trains you to question assumptions, analyze complex problems, and evaluate arguments from different perspectives. This skill set is invaluable in the workplace, where you will face ambiguous situations, complex challenges, and the need to make informed decisions on the fly. The ability to think critically gives you the skills to identify and solve problems, consider multiple viewpoints, and arrive at well-reasoned and logical conclusions. Employers value these kinds of analytical skills, because what they’re looking for is someone who can effectively gather and analyze information, identify patterns and trends, and draw meaningful insights from complex data, no matter what the context. As a result, graduates with philosophical skills are highly sought after by employers across a wide range of industries and professions. TCNJ philosophy graduates are doctors and lawyers, work in public policy and community outreach, are librarians and social workers, teach, are working in politics, are published fiction writers, and own their own businesses. We even have an electrician! And, of course, some are even college philosophy professors!

Studying philosophy gives you another valuable employment-oriented benefit: ethical awareness. The study of philosophy  involves examining ethical theories and dilemmas, considering moral implications, and reflecting on principles of justice and fairness. There are so many ethical issues that arise in today’s workplace at every level, and employers value individuals who can navigate complex ethical landscapes with integrity. Employees with philosophical skills are extremely good at identifying the ethical dimensions in their fields, evaluating the consequences of decisions, and offering thoughtful perspectives in ethical debates.

Don’t believe philosophy is practical? Check this out: https://philosophyisagreatmajor.com/

Philosophy majors outperform most other majors on GREs, LSATs, MCATs, etc: https://dailynous.com/value-of-philosophy/charts-and-graphs/

Philosophy major skills and salaries: https://philosophyisagreatmajor.com/category/skills-and-saleries/

At TCNJ students may major or minor in Philosophy. A major or minor in Philosophy may also choose a departmental specialization in Law and Philosophy or in Ethics. These departmental specializations are designed to tailor the philosophy major or minor to support a student’s interest in law and legal and political theory or an interest in theoretical or applied ethics.  In addition to these, students can also add a minor in Religion, and a minor in Classical Studies to any major. Interested students can also elect to add a pre-law minor  (the Law, Politics and Philosophy minor) to any major—-more info here: Law, Politics, and Philosophy Minor.

We also have a dual degree program with Villanova Law School for students interested in a law career. There are two pathways for qualified students:

• A 3+3 pathway in which TCNJ students spend three years at TCNJ and then three years at Villanova Law, with credits earned at the successful completion of the first year of law school and transferring back to TCNJ to satisfy final graduation requirements
• A 4+3 pathway in which TCNJ students apply to Villanova Law in their senior year and matriculate after having graduated from TCNJ
• more information here: https://hss.tcnj.edu/dual-degree-bachelors-jd/

 The philosophy major itself is flexible, and is a great dual major option to blend with other majors like biology, history, psychology, criminology, and political science. Students may pursue a 4-year sequence or a 3-year sequence in the major.

We would love to help you to be part of this rewarding major!

• Philosophy Major
  • Philosophy major specialization: Law & Philosophy
  • Philosophy major specialization: Ethics
  • Dual Major Agreements:
    • Philosophy and Psychology
    • Philosophy and Criminology
    • Philosophy and History
• Philosophy Minor
• Ethics Minor (coming soon)
• Interdisciplinary Concentration in Ethics (coming soon)
• Law, Politics, and Philosophy Minor

Religious Studies

Religion courses at TCNJ explore religion and its place in human life and provide critical insight into the fundamental tenets and practices of the major religious traditions. The Self-Designed Major, Religion Minor and Interdisciplinary Concentration in Religious Studies allow a sustained and deeper study of these matters. They provide valuable background for careers in social work, counseling, various religious vocations, and other fields.

• Learn more about the religious studies program.
• Religion Minor
• Interdisciplinary Concentration in Religious Studies

Classical Studies

The Classical Studies Program offers students an opportunity to explore the exciting worlds of classical Greece and Rome – the history, art, archaeology, literature, philosophy, science, religion, politics, and languages. Courses in all these aspects of Greek and Roman history and culture are offered by specialists from the relevant departments. Students may take individual courses or work towards a Self-Designed Major, Minor, or Interdisciplinary Concentration in Classical Studies.

• Learn more about the classical studies program.
• Classical Studies Minor
• Interdisciplinary Concentration in Classical Studies
• Self-Designed Major in Classical Studies

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