Department of Philosophy

Discover the value of philosophy

Dive into profound questions about reality, knowledge, and society. Hone analytical and creative skills for diverse career paths, including law, medicine, business, and government. Join our passionate community on an intellectual journey.

Why study philosophy?

Philosophy undergraduate majors

B.A. in Philosophy

Broadly covers the discipline, in both substance and methodology, developing students’ analytical and communicative abilities while attempting to understand the nature of reality and human experience. Students in this general track master foundational concepts in logic, history of philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and the philosophy of science.

Philosophy B.A.

B.A. in philosophy with ethics, law and politics specialization

The B.A. in philosophy with an ethics, law and politics specialization allows students to develop crucial skills for the workplace, such as critical thinking and persuasive speaking and writing, while investigating concrete problems in value theory. Students in this more specialized track gain expertise in core concepts governing debates in bioethics, legal theory, politics and contemporary moral issues.

Philosophy ELP B.A.

Minor in philosophy

Students can choose between the general track for the philosophy minor, or a minor specializing in ethics, law and politics. A minor in philosophy can open up doors to a number of career opportunities or graduate schools (such as law or medical school) that value critical thinking, innovative problem-solving and superior communication skills.

Philosophy Minor

Philosophy graduate program

M.A. in philosophy

Provides students with a strong foundation in core areas of philosophical scholarship, as well as topics within contemporary philosophy driven by our faculty's on-going research. In addition to taught courses, includes a graduate-only seminar that allows students to engage with each other in a warm and supportive environment to hone their philosophical skills.

M.A. in Philosophy

M.A. in philosophy with ethics, law and politics specialization

Provides students with a broad background in the central debates—both historical and contemporary—in social, political, ethical and legal philosophy. Students will work with faculty members who have research specializations in a number of areas within value theory, including liberal and democratic theory, feminism, Marxism, critical theory, among others.

M.A. in Ethics

Graduate Certificate in Ethics, Law, and Politics

Designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of ethics, law and politics as a complement to their educational background. Students who choose to obtain this certificate will be better prepared for graduate school in law, medicine, political science and many disciplines. The graduate certificate is also beneficial for those seeking personal enrichment.

Graduate certificate

Research and scholarships

Research opportunities for students

Faculty in our department partner with undergraduates on research projects that aim for conference presentations or publications, offering 1-3 credits per semester via PHIL 275 for eligible student researchers.

Explore faculty research

Pre-Law/Pre-Med Workshop

The department annually hosts a capped, fall personal statement workshop for Philosophy seniors, guiding and reviewing law and medical school applications with faculty and peer feedback. Learn more or email us to sign up.

Pre-Law and Prep-Med Workshop

Scholarships

The University of Nevada, Reno's Department of Philosophy offers several endowed scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500, including the Leonard, Reuben C. Thompson, and Philip Mataruga awards, with application inquiries directed via email.

Scholarships

Internships

The Department of Philosophy is excited to introduce a new course, PHIL 495: Professional Internship, which pairs academic learning with practical experience in various organizations, aiding students in forging professional pathways post-graduation.

Internships