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College of Arts & Sciences

Philosophy Minor

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Amy Sneegas

Assistant, Department of Humanities & University Ministry

Case Hall 305B
785.594.8439
amy.sneegas@bakerU.edu

Love of Wisdom

About

The word philosophy means the love of wisdom.

Philosophy courses at Baker encourage students to seek wisdom by helping them to think carefully and critically about fundamental issues.

Philosophy students develop critical thinking and communication skills that are useful in any career. Those skills, coupled with the understanding of societal values, will make you highly sought by today’s employers.

Through the study of the writings of major philosophers, students learn to understand, analyze, and evaluate competing claims about the answers to our most basic questions: How should I live my life? What should my values be? What are my duties and obligations as a rational being? How can I decide when a claim is reasonable to believe?

Male student giving a presentation

Why Minor in Philosophy?

Students who study philosophy will grasp and analyze theories, values, and beliefs. They will learn to express ideas, beliefs, and opinions through clear and persuasive prose.

two philosophy students laughing and pointing at a whiteboard during a class presentation
Student sitting outside on campus writing in a notebook for an english class
Students smiling for a photo during a study abroad program trip

Exceptional Experience

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Discussion and Dialogue

Small class sizes and a 12-to-1 student-to-professor ratio mean you receive personal attention from professors and can get to know your peers. At Baker, we encourage an open academic dialogue, which is key in a field like philosophy.

Prepare for Graduate School

Studies by the Department of Education show that philosophy students receive top scores on standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT. They excel on the verbal and the analytical section of the GRE, and earn high scores on the LSAT and GMAT.

Global Citizenship

Baker makes studying abroad easy, allowing most Baker financial awards and scholarships to be applied directly to study abroad for one full semester. Whether your interest is art, politics, or business, your first-hand exposure to an international setting will help you grow as a scholar.

Careers

Philosophy students go on to land these jobs:

  • Lawyer
  • Banker
  • Public relations director
  • Social worker and nonprofit worker
  • Professor
Three students listening to lecture in classroom

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Donald Hatcher

Senior Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Director of Liberal Arts & Critical Thinking Program

B.G.S., M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. University of Kansas

Expertise: critical thinking, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science

Office: Case Hall 102

785.594.8486
donald.hatcher@bakerU.edu

Dr. Nicholaus Pumphrey

Chair of the Dept. of History, Culture, and Society; Associate Professor of Religious Studies

B.A. Valdosta State University, M.A. Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. Claremont Graduate University

Expertise: Hebrew Bible; ancient Near Eastern history, religion, and literature; pop culture and religion; Islamic studies

Office: Parmentor Hall 17

785.594.7873
npumphrey@bakerU.edu
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Dr. Ryan Gibb

Associate Professor of International Studies, Political Science

B.A., M.A. Marquette; Ph.D. University of Kansas

Office: Case 105C

ryan.gibb@bakerU.edu
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Cynthia Appl

Professor of German

B.A. University of Kansas, M.A. University of Kansas, P.h.D. University of Pennsylvania

Expertise: German language, literature, philosophy

Office: Case 105

785.594.8449
cynthia.appl@bakerU.edu
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