Outside the Classroom

Investigate the world around you

The Philosophy program will introduce you to a rigorous curriculum that will stretch your mind, challenge your beliefs, and teach you to reason soundly. It will also encourage you to take your newfound knowledge and apply it to the world around you. Once you study philosophy and recognize its relationships with other disciplines, you will see its transformative power.

Phi Sigma Tau honor society

Mercer University has a chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, the international philosophy honor society. Requirements for membership are:

  • A major or minor in philosophy or a major in philosophy, politics, and economics
  • A GPA in philosophy courses of at least 3.5
  • An overall GPA of at least 3.0

Members organize philosophy-oriented events that are open to the entire Mercer community. Recent well-attended events included discussions of ethical issues raised in the popular television series “Squid Game” and “Euphoria” and a lecture by the honor society co-president on the topic, “Harry Potter and Socrates: Why Did Both Decide to Die?”

Outreach and engaged learning

During most summers, the Philosophy program leads a study abroad trip to beautiful and historic areas in Europe. You will learn philosophy that has special relevance to the location you visit and have opportunities to link philosophical study to the art, architecture, and culture of the region. Past study abroad locations have included Athens, Paris, and Florence.

Undergraduate research opportunities

As you advance through our program you can participate in an intensive study of a significant topic in philosophy, not otherwise covered in the course offerings, a senior seminar in philosophical skill development, and an independent study — all of which contain significant opportunities for research and presentation.

All majors in our programs write a senior essay under the supervision of one of the philosophy faculty members. You will choose the topic, do independent research on relevant issues, and at various stages in the writing process receive feedback from both your faculty advisor and fellow students. Once your essay is polished and approved by a philosophy faculty committee, you will present it at a colloquium on campus.

Postgraduate opportunities

Upon graduation, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your future career. Employers understand the value of the education that philosophy students obtain during their pursuit of a degree. You will stand out among the competition because of your broad knowledge as well as your ability to read and write analytically, to solve complex problems, and to speak persuasively. Many of our philosophy graduates now hold titles such as:

  • Attorney
  • Business executive
  • Editor
  • Government official
  • Journalist
  • Manager
  • Physician
  • Psychotherapist
  • Publishing executive
  • Social worker
  • Teacher

If you choose to pursue higher-level education, our philosophy faculty will guide you in your application and decision-making process. Many of our students go on to law school, medical school, business school, and a wide variety of masters and Ph.D. programs.