ChooseWhy Choose This Program?

Why Study Philosophy at Goucher?

William James said philosophy is “the habit of always seeing an alternative.” By creating alternatives, philosophy holds out the promise of shaping a better world. This lies at the heart of our philosophy studies mission. We teach students to reflect on the meaning and significance of their own experiences by posing questions they may not yet have the means to answer. In fact, the work of philosophy is not so much to produce definitive answers as it is to question given answers, to interrogate our basic assumptions and habits of thought. The Philosophy Program at Goucher College cultivates this critical standpoint by emphasizing both the history of philosophy and the practice of philosophizing.

LearnWhat Will You Learn?

What Will You Learn?

Students enrolled in our philosophy classes develop many transferable skills that can be used in a variety of careers, including analytical and organizational thinking, research, oral and written communication, problem solving, diverse data integration, adaptation to change, persuasion, and digestion of complicated materials. Goucher’s unique mission and liberal arts curriculum help students master the skills employers overwhelmingly want in job candidates. After graduation, many of our students attend top graduate programs, while others embark on careers in fields such as business, nonprofit organizations, government, law, medicine, ministry, finance, psychology, counseling, diplomacy, and ethics.  Learn More

DoWhat Will You Do?

What Will You Do?

In Goucher's philosophy classes, you will study the history of philosophy, discovering that the discipline has changed dramatically over the centuries in both its content and its character. You will practice philosophy, developing skills of analysis and methodological self-awareness to help you make good judgments and begin solving contemporary problems. And you will engage in close readings of primary texts, learning not only how philosophical thought has continually put its own truths into question, but how many of our most familiar academic disciplines began as philosophic questions.

Course Curriculum

Philosophy Major Philosophy Minor Courses

Faculty

Major & Minor Program Contacts
Steven DeCaroli, Department Chair

Full-Time Faculty
Steven DeCaroli, Professor of Philosophy: Contemporary Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Chinese Philosophy, Aesthetics

Faculty Emeritus
John Rose

Study Abroad

By studying abroad, choosing three-week intensive courses led by Goucher faculty or semester programs suited to their academic plans, Goucher philosophy students gain a global perspective that enhances their course of study. Visit the Office of Global Education for more information.

Opportunities & Internships

Student Clubs

Veritas: The Philosophy Club / Annual Philosophy Conference

The student members of the Goucher College Philosophy Club directly plan and organize the department's annual undergraduate philosophy conference. The conference began in 2004 and attracts participants from the United States and Canada. In past years the conference's keynote speakers have included:

2019: Shiloh Whitney, Fordham University

2018: Daniel Smith, Perdue University

2017: Rochelle Green and Allison Merrick, California State University San Marcos San

2016: David Wood, Vanderbilt University

2015: Dominic Pettman, New School for Social Research

2014: James Risser, Seattle University

2013: Peg Birmingham, DePaul University

2012: Lisa Guenther, Vanderbilt University

2011: Babette Babich, Fordham University

2010: Len Lawlor, Penn State University

2009: Jason Read, University of Southern Maine

2008: Nancy Holland, Hamline University

2007: John Carvalho, Villanova University

2006: Eduardo Mendieta, SUNY Stonybrook

2005: Walter Brogan, Villanova University

2004: Alphonso Lingis, Penn State University

Veritas - Philosophy Club

Internships

Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.

Student Employment

Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.

Major & Career Exploration

Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.

Job Search

A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.

Graduate & Professional School

Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School 4+1 BA/MS Program

Goucher College and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School are offering Goucher students a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This 4+1 program combines a bachelor’s degree from Goucher with a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins in business analytics and risk management, information systems, health care management, finance, or marketing. Students can apply during their junior year. GRE or GMAT tests have been waived but applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and have passed some quantitative reasoning courses with a grade of B or better.

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