Majoring in Philosophy
A major in philosophy is highly recommended as preparation for law, theology, business, management, medicine, journalism, or other careers that require the ability to think in a creative and disciplined manner about questions that are new or whose method of solution is debated.
Students can find a philosophy department course that satisfies one of all six categories of core General Education requirements. Also, a significant number of the courses that satisfy the WRI and EIN requirements are taught by philosophers. In the philosophy commons room, the department provides for each term a prospectus that describes the special focus and the expected reading and writing of each course and section.
Requirements for the Major
A major in philosophy may be attained by completing the requirements for either a regular major or a contract major. Most philosophy courses simultaneously count toward the major and toward one or more of almost all the General Education requirements.
Major requirements are based upon the year a student enters St. Olaf. Because requirements for the major changed effective academic year 2004-05, requirements will differ for students who entered prior to 2004-05 and those entering in 2004-05 and after.
Students who entered St. Olaf prior to the 2004-05 academic year should consult the 2002-2004 catalog for major requirements.
Students entering St. Olaf in the academic year 2004-05 or after should consult the 2004-06 catalog for major requirements.
