With the study of philosophy, you don't learn what to think; you learn how to think. This kind of knowledge can be applied to anything: from debates about the natural world to those concerning the human one, from the quest for the truth to the quest for value and meaning. Whether you seek a profession in law or medicine, a vocation in social justice or ministry, or a career in teaching or business, an education in philosophy is an invaluable asset.

Why Study Philosophy at Luther?

Employers are hungry for critical thinkers and creative minds. Critical thinking, analytical reading, and problem solving are the hallmarks of a liberal arts education, and Luther’s Philosophy Department undeniably hones these skills. Philosophy students at Luther become exceptionally strong thinkers, no matter how their choose to apply their thinking skills. Not only are these skills valued by employers, philosophy students regularly score highest on the LSAT and GMAT graduate school placement exams, as well as top in both the analytical writing and verbal reasoning sections of the GRE.

But students who study philosophy at Luther aren't just capable thinkers—they take the time to ask hard questions about what it means to live well. They not only know what matters—they know to ask why. Pragmatic and principled, our students enter the world knowing that it takes diligence, creativity and collaboration to address the biggest issues facing us today: What are we here for? What can we know? How should we act? Because our students can ask these questions, philosophy students become uniquely adept at analyzing problems and developing convincing solutions.

Luther’s philosophy faculty are passionate teachers, trained in a variety of philosophical areas, and their curriculum acquaints students with both historical and contemporary work in the field. The department offers many courses that are open to all students, as well as more advanced courses for students interested in deepening their knowledge of philosophy and building their skills in analysis and writing.