About Us

What majors and minors are offered?
Why should I choose Missouri Western’s program?
What type of graduate schools and programs are your graduates attending?
As a high school student, how should I prepare for this program?
What is the typical class size?
How much individualized attention can I expect in your department?
How do students work together with faculty?
What student organizations are available?
Does the department have any direct interaction with the community?

What majors and minors are offered?

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Minors are offered in Philosophy, Religion, Humanities, and International Studies.

Why should I choose Missouri Western’s program?

All full-time faculty members in the department are published scholars and have earned doctorates from excellent graduate programs in their respective academic disciplines.

The department is committed to the development of a strong academic culture on campus through its sponsorship of special lectures, events, and seminars on topics in the areas of ethics and public policy, philosophy, religious studies, art, drama, music, literature, and rhetoric.

The Philosophy and Humanities faculty want students to broaden their education by studying classic texts and by introducing them to the traditions of philosophical thinking.

What type of graduate schools and programs are your graduates attending?

Recent graduates of our programs who are seeking an advanced degree in Philosophy are currently attending the following universities - University of Chicago, University of Kansas, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Southwest Missouri State University, University of Washington-Seattle, and Northwest Missouri State University.

Other recent graduates of our programs are pursuing law degrees at the following law schools - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Oregon, Washburn University, and Marquette University.

As a high school student, how should I prepare for this program?

High school students preparing for a major in our department should take the high school core classes. Two units of foreign language are also strongly recommended. Students need to take as many courses as possible that require analytical reading, writing skills, and research skills.

What is the typical class size?

General studies courses in Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities range in size from 20 to 30 students. Upper-level courses in these disciplines range in size from 10 to 15 students.

How much individualized attention can I expect in your department?

Students in all of our courses receive individualized attention from our faculty by simply asking for it. Students have access to our faculty during regularly scheduled office hours, as well as via voicemail or e-mail. Students are able to schedule appointments with faculty very quickly.

Our majors all have faculty advisors within our department to help them in planning their academic schedules from entry through graduation. Faculty members provide student instructors and/or student tutors to assist those students who want extra help.

How do students work together with faculty?

Faculty members are willing to work with students who wish to engage in faculty/student undergraduate research. Faculty serve as mentors to help students prepare their work for presentations at regional or national conferences.

What student organizations are available?

Philosophy department students have an opportunity to join the MWSU Philosophy Society.

Does the department have any direct interaction with the community?

Our faculty and students provide service to the community through local, regional, and national organizations, including local churches, Heartland Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, Missouri Humanities Council, the Polanyi Society, and the Association of American Geographers.