Hartwick College Frisbee Field crowded with students during club fair with Yager Hall in the background

welcome to hartwick Philosophy

At Hartwick, Philosophy isn’t just a major. It’s an approach to learning that will serve you not just in your career, but in life. With active discussions, thoughtful inquiry and close mentoring from faculty, you’ll learn to think carefully and thoughtfully – and how to apply those skills to your workplace.

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MANY CAREER PATHS

A major in Philosophy lays the foundation for a career in law, education, public administration or business. Your Faculty Mentor and your Success Coach will work with you to help you hone your passion.

Internships with local organizations, such as the Oneonta Boys & Girls Club, can strengthen your understanding of community engagement, or get real-world work experience with government agencies, law firms or schools.

Your Alumni Mentor will share their own experiences with you, readying you to use your skills in the workplace.

Learn more about our alumni.

EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES

Philosophy isn’t just stuck in the classroom or the textbook. Be a part of the Phi Sigma Tau, the Philosophy Honor Society, and join the Philosophy Club to screen films and host talks for the campus community. Join J Term experiences on campus and abroad to open your mind to new ideas and cultures.

Work alongside your Faculty Mentor on their own research, and you could present at a national conference or publish your findings in a professional journal.

Philosophy Special Opportunities

AN EDUCATION BUILT FOR YOU

From the start of your time at Hartwick, you’ll develop a foundational understanding of the great philosophers of the past. Building on that, you’ll engage with contemporary philosophical inquiry, including environmental ethics, medical ethics and the philosophy of gaming. You’ll study epistemology (how we come to know), metaphysics (the study of reality), and ethics (the study of moral ideals and practice), then delve deeper into your own research project. Present your findings at Student Showcase, then cross the commencement stage with a passion for lifelong learning.

WHERE WILL A HARTWICK PHILOSOPHY DEGREE TAKE YOU?

Law

Like John Talbot ’18, a double major in Philosophy and Political Science, now an attorney at O’Connor Law PLLC. He did his internship as a legal assistant at River Delta Law Firm in Chengdu, Sichuan, China and got his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.

EMPLOYMENT

Ghalia Mahran ’18, now a licensed mental health counselor with Sprouting Roots Mental Health Counseling, following a successful internship.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Like Jordan Liz ’12, a philosophy professor at San Jose State University who published “COVID-19, Immunoprivilege and Structural Inequalities” in the interdisciplinary journal History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences 43(1): 1-6 in 2021.