Philosophy Alumni

“Under the tutelage of excellent faculty, I developed analytical and writing skills. It was my intent to use this degree as a steppingstone into the seminary, but circumstances prevented that from happening. I discovered exercise science and pursued that discipline for graduate studies. Now, as an assistant professor, my liberal arts education greatly influences my teaching philosophy. I emphasize critical thinking and the proper expression of thought. Philosophy was the best decision for me. I use the knowledge and skills developed in my work every day.”

“The education I received with the Philosophy Discipline benefited me most directly by imparting the fundamentals of analytical logic that I employ in my professional career. The communication and argumentation skills I honed have been invaluable aids given the multi-disciplinary background of the people I work with, both in my professional career and in my day-to-day life.”

“The Philosophy Discipline not only gave me a strong philosophical and ethical foundation in the classics of philosophy, but also taught me to be a strategic, innovative free thinker. My success in research compliance and as a bioethicist is directly attributable to the education I received as a philosophy major. None of it would have been possible were it not for the tremendous patience, breadth of knowledge, and support imparted on me by the UMM philosophy professors.”

“My degree directly helped me in my professional life allowing me to enroll in a philosophy graduate program, which in turn allowed me to enroll in my neuroscience program. The indirect benefits have been even greater. I presented a paper at an Oxford Round Table titled “Soul As Theory,” in which I examine problems with the concept of soul when viewed from a scientific theory perspective. My philosophy degree gave me the background and skills needed to produce such a paper, a formal example of the many ways in which my philosophy degree enriches my ability to converse on many topics.”

“My introduction to philosophy was a Theory of Knowledge high school class (a rare experience), but I certainly didn’t expect to be a college philosophy major. Yet, in taking a logic class and an introductory level philosophy course, I found myself truly enjoying the work. I figured out that I wanted to teach at the college level and decided it was best to pursue the discipline I loved—a decision I will never regret. I have taught philosophy at Northland Community and Technical College, where I discovered the joy of teaching engaged health majors studying medical ethics and first generation community college students opening to the challenge of examining basic beliefs and values.”

“Philosophy enhanced my ability to think critically and reason, as well as to listen. I learned to argue and defend my position, but also to have an open mind and understand other viewpoints, invaluable skills when I turned my hobby into a career, Iceberg Web Design, a website development company. Running the business is now my full-time job. I use my experiences in philosophy every day as I grow my business and hire new employees. The ability to think critically (and quickly!), listen, and reason are qualities that every business owner and entrepreneur needs to succeed.”