Department of Philosophy
Valparaiso University College of Arts & Sciences
Department Chair: Tom Kennedy, Ph.D. 
Huegli Hall 226| 219-464-5053
Tom.Kennedy@valpo.edu
Majors
offered:
Philosophy,
B.A.
Links to Web sites:
Catalog: Department of
Philosophy
Department of Philosophy
(department
maintained)
VALPO PHILOSOPHY MAJORS explore the positions of the great thinkers of both Western and non-Western civilizations. Students reflect on concepts that shape human life because of the key role they play in language, thought, belief, and action.
What Can You Do with a Philosophy Major?
Degree, Skills or Experience Needed for
Beginning a Job in This Field:
A
bachelor’s degree with a major in Philosophy
should provide sufficient skills for entry into
any profession or service open to any liberal
arts student. The training in language, argument,
writing, persuasion, and search-for-evidence
is relevant to almost any position in business,
government, law, the ministry, communications,
education, and research.
Kinds of Work Available
to Graduates in this Major:
To
teach Philosophy at almost any level, an advanced
degree is ordinarily required. The American
Philosophical Association expresses "grounds
for guarded optimism" about teaching opportunities
opening soon. In addition, the following might
provide employment for Philosophy majors: libraries,
book stores, business corporations and industries,
churches and religious organizations, educational
institutions of all kinds, foundations, non-profit
organizations, government service agencies,
museums, research facilities, social service
organizations.
Potential Hiring Institutions:
Graduates may be hired by a variety of institutions, including
business, government, educational, and religious institutions. For
information about employability in business and government, write
to:
Susan E. Garvey
Washington Center for
Learning Alternatives
1705 DeSales Street, N.W.
Washington,
DC 20036
Phone: (202)
659-8510
What Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities Does Valpo Offer You
in Philosophy?
Extracurricular
Activities:
Philosophy students can take part
in Valpo’s Philosophy Club or any of the more than 100 organizations on
campus. The club produces a newsletter and hosts events such as the annual
Norman Kretzmann Lecture. You may also want to participate in Valpo's
Ethics Bowl teams, which over the years has established an enviable record
of achievement in national competitions.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Study Abroad: Notable
Alumni:
Students can take
advantage of Valpo’s 14 study abroad programs in countries such as Mexico,
England, Spain, France, Greece, Germany, Namibia, China, or Japan.
Students may also spend semesters in New York, Washington, D.C., and
Chicago.
Jack Lyons (VU '93), Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Arkansas
Shannon Bachman (VU '01), Officer, US Air Force
Steven Zittergruen (VU '02), Vicar of St. Andrew Lutheran Church (ELCA), Cedar Rapids, IA
Katie Dalzell (VU '04), Student, University of Virginia School of Law
Andrew Lauber (VU '04, Student, University of Tennessee Department of Philosophy
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