Majors & Minors

The Department of Philosophy at Providence College offers both a Major and a Minor in Philosophy.

The Philosophy Major (BA): Explore Life’s Big Questions. Sharpen Your Thinking. Shape Your Future.

At Providence College, the philosophy major offers a rigorous and enriching journey through the great ideas that have shaped human thought across centuries. Students engage deeply with every major era in the history of philosophy—ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary—while also building a strong foundation in ethics, logic, and metaphysics.

Rooted in the Catholic and Dominican intellectual tradition, our program encourages students to examine fundamental questions about truth, justice, existence, and the good life. With its emphasis on critical thinking, clear writing, and reasoned argument, the philosophy major pairs seamlessly with a wide range of second majors or minors in the arts and humanities, sciences, or business.

Whether you’re preparing for graduate study, professional life, or simply a more thoughtful engagement with the world, philosophy at Providence College offers the tools to think deeply, live wisely, and act justly.

The Philosophy Minor: Deepen Your Thinking, Broaden Your Perspective

The philosophy minor at Providence College offers students a unique opportunity to complement their primary field of study with the timeless insights and critical tools of philosophical inquiry. Designed with flexibility in mind, the minor allows students to choose courses that align with their interests and to learn from the faculty who inspire them most.

Whether exploring ethics, logic, metaphysics, or the history of philosophical thought, students can tailor their experience to focus deeply on a particular area or to engage broadly across the discipline. This adaptability makes the philosophy minor a popular and valuable addition to many majors—from the humanities and sciences to business and beyond.

More than just an academic enhancement, the minor helps students develop skills in reasoning, analysis, and communication—assets that are highly prized in today’s job market and essential for a thoughtful, purposeful life.

Philosophy Department

Siena Hall 105
401.865.2335
401.865.1449
wforsley@providence.edu