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Applied Philosophy Major

Bachelor of Arts

With an applied philosophy major, you’ll explore key issues and practically apply what you learn to your life and career.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Applied Philosophy, you’ll explore profound questions about meaning, truth, and values. And you’ll be able to directly connect the study of philosophy with the study of another discipline that interests you. In an innovative program that reflects shifts in how philosophy is taught in the 21st century, you’ll engage with important content while practically applying philosophy to real life. You’ll learn to think critically about truth and values while developing strong communication, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving skills—all to reach your full potential so you can go into the world to serve.

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Why should I study applied philosophy at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

Faith-fueled learning
As you broaden your perspective, stretch your thinking, and learn to reason and communicate in a critical, clear, and consistent manner, you’re learning will be deepened by the integration of a Christian perspective

Flexibility
Bethel's applied philosophy requires a small number of credits, providing you the flexibility to double major. The study of applied philosophy pairs well with almost any other major and allows you to customize your education.

A community where you belong
You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in applied philosophy, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong base in philosophy

As you study applied philosophy, you’ll explore historical content as well as analyzing epistemological and metaphysical problems.

A 21st-century approach to philosophy

As you gain a strong base in philosophy, you’ll explore how to live in the present day, how to interact with current issues, and how you can serve your community and world.

Modern application

You’ll have the chance to learn relevant tech skills in areas like documentary filmmaking, podcasting, blogging, and digital preservation.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Off-campus study abroad programs include the January trip to Morocco, Spain, and France. Or you can study for a semester at a university in another country. Recent students have studied in Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Lithuania.

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Internships

You’ll apply what you’ve learned through great internships. And we have partnerships like a paid internship at the White Bear Lake Historical Society. You’ll have the chance to intern at sites like the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Historical Society. You’ll also have opportunities to work for the department as a teaching assistant.

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Research

You’ll have the chance to conduct research with professors through programs like Edgren Scholars and summer research projects. And you can conduct your own original research in local or digital archives for your senior seminar paper.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with an applied philosophy degree?

Applied philosophy is a versatile major that will equip you with core skills to help you become the person you’re meant to be. You’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Law

You can earn a minor in pre-law and receive academic advising to help you prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Business

You’ll be able to use your skills in fields like marketing, recruiting, financial services, sales, and human resources.

Education

If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair an applied philosophy major with an education degree or pursue a graduate degree in teaching or education.

Government

If you’re interested in political science, many graduates have worked with the Minnesota State Legislature or worked in a variety of jobs related to politics.

Skills for any field

You’ll be prepared to serve in many fields. Recent graduates work in healthcare, at nonprofits, or as social entrepreneurs, pastors, lobbyists, military officers, social workers, nurses, and more.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”

Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Location

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History