Major in Philosophy
Become a thinker • Explore big ideas • Grow in wisdom
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
Become a thinker • Explore big ideas • Grow in wisdom
In the philosophy major, you'll engage with the writings of historic philosophers and connect their thinking to today's world. You'll be challenged to read carefully, think critically and communicate clearly as you explore big questions from a Christian perspective. Whether you continue your education or enter the workforce upon graduation, a degree in philosophy from JBU will equip you to succeed in any pursuit requiring analytical reasoning.
Start your applicationPhilosophy students interact and engage with faculty and classmates and discuss a diverse set of topics like modern philosophy, logic, ethics and the philosophy of religion.
The philosophy major is designed to produce students who leave JBU with disciplined clarity who will be able to read carefully, think critically, write effectively and speak clearly.
Students studying philosophy are well-positioned to pursue any career that requires analytical reasoning, as well as graduate school in philosophy, theology, ministry, business, law or medicine.
Philosophy students will engage with complex and deep topics while learning from the world's greatest thinkers. The philosophy department excels at providing students with the tools to think critically to set them up for future success.
The full-time and adjunct faculty at JBU have published extensive research in philosophy and maintain research projects in addition to teaching full-time.
Each year JBU students present papers at national academic conferences like The Southwest Conference of the American Academy of Religion.
JBU’s graduates are getting their graduate degrees from schools like Princeton, Duke, Denver Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary.
JBU equips students with the necessary resources to launch them into the careers they set out to pursue, and students will find that their philosophy major will prepare them for a broad range of fields and jobs.
A degree in philosophy gives you a broad foundation and the ability to think critically and make decisions, which all benefit leaders in the business world.
The ability to think and write clearly, to analyze and present arguments, is highly valued in the law profession. Philosophy majors have one of the highest rates of acceptance at law schools.
Medical schools look favorably upon candidates with a liberal arts degree, especially from philosophy departments.
If politics has captured your interest, a major in philosophy will give you a solid foundation for a variety of jobs in government.
In 2010, he delivered the Logos Lecture at Dartmouth College; in 2011, the Balzer Lecture at JBU; since 2014, he has lectured each June at the Acton Institute’s Acton University. Unlike many of his regular lectures at JBU, Dr. Bruce actually wore proper dress shoes when he delivered these (so he says). Dr. Bruce’s academic work has taken him throughout the United States and to Scotland, France, and China—greatly helped (or hindered) by his working fluency in English, his meager competency in French, and his almost total ignorance of Chinese. Passionate about teaching, Dr. Bruce was awarded a Rookie of the Year award for the first year in which he was eligible (2009), and, for the academic year of 2010–2011, he was named the JBU Student Choice Awards Professor of the Year. Dr. Bruce, his wife, and their four children live in Fayetteville. Ordained a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America in October 2018, Dr. Bruce and his family delight to be a part of Covenant Church (PCA) where he serves as an associate pastor. Though he now drives to work, he still hates television, and he will always love coffee.
Professor of Philosophy; Director, Center for Faith and Flourishing
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.