Find meaning in the questions that have no easy answers. NAU’s Department of Philosophy helps you explore what matters most.
At its core, philosophy is the process of asking life’s biggest questions, about truth, justice, knowledge, and meaning, and using logic and reason to pursue better answers. As a philosophy major, you’ll study great thinkers, past and present, to learn how to think deeply and write persuasively. Along the way, you’ll gain a strong foundation for a career in law, medicine, public service, and any other field that values insight, ethics, and thoughtful communication.
Philosophy is about learning to think for yourself and engage meaningfully with others. Here at NAU, every voice matters. With close mentorship and opportunities to apply your learning through public dialogue and community engagement, you’ll discover how philosophy connects to everything, from science and politics to art, culture, and technology.
As a philosophy major at NAU, you’ll explore how people across cultures and centuries have grappled with enduring questions about what it means to live a good life, act justly, and understand reality. Small, discussion-based classes set the stage for you to answer these questions personally and collaboratively, guided by faculty who know your name and value your perspective.
As a Philosophy major at NAU, you will:
The Philosophy Club at NAU provides space for community and connection with student-led discussions on topics that bridge philosophy, politics, art, and everyday life. You can also get involved with the Heshima Bioethics Society where you’ll examine medical ethics and human rights in a collaborative setting.
Whether you choose a Philosophy-specific degree or the interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) path, you’ll build strong foundations in critical thinking, writing, and analysis. The PPL degree path integrates the foundations of philosophy with political science, history, and economics. This is a good path if you’re considering law school, public service, or even medical school.
Study abroad programs like NAU in Greece: Soulcraft and Statecraft or NAU in the British Isles: Philosophy, Environmental Ethics, and Marine Conservation immerse you in philosophy where it all began.
On-campus partnerships with programs like Ethics Studies, Applied Indigenous Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies help you apply philosophical thinking to the world’s most urgent ethical and social challenges.
Participate in the annual Ethics Bowl where you can mentor high school students or represent NAU at the Regents’ Cup or Mock Trial competitions.
Studying philosophy at NAU means you’re part of an open and supportive community where every perspective is valued, and every question matters.
NAU philosophy professors are more than teachers; they’re mentors who will guide you as you research ethics, politics, identity, and what makes a meaningful life. Their expertise spans cognitive science, Indigenous and Latinx philosophy, disability studies, and women’s and gender studies, meaning your education will reflect a range of voices and approaches.
A philosophy degree from NAU equips you with a set of skills valued in any profession: critical analysis, logical reasoning, ethical reflection, and persuasive communication. It prepares you for your next step, whether that’s law school or graduate school, or pursuing a career in the medical field, where strong reasoning and decision-making are essential. You will also find paths to government, education, business, and more. With a degree in philosophy, you’ll be adaptable and empathic with an intellectual clarity that sets you apart in the job market.
Philosophy is best experienced through conversation. From guest lectures and student debates to community discussions and film screenings, department events offer new ways to engage with ideas and people. Explore upcoming Philosophy events and other events hosted by the College of Arts and Letters that will challenge your thinking and inspire curiosity.
"My undergraduate experience at NAU was an invaluable stepping stone toward a future career in law due to its interdisciplinary approach to learning. I gained foundational skills in critical thinking, writing, and logical reasoning while also studying political theories and interpretations of the law in a philosophical context. My experience as a PPL major not only laid the groundwork for a future career in law but also shaped my political and social understanding of life beyond the classroom."
Studying philosophy prepares you for a thoughtful, intentional life, one defined by curiosity, empathy, and purpose. Apply now to continue your journey of lifelong learning.
When you give to the Department of Philosophy at NAU, you invest in students who are learning to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world. Your support funds scholarships, research opportunities, and special programming that shapes thoughtful, informed leaders.