Why study philosophy?
With a bachelor of arts in philosophy from VCU, you'll hone your reasoning skills and be able to apply them as you explore carefully reasoned answers to deep questions about the human condition.
You'll also have many opportunities to sharpen your writing skills, increase your openness to rational criticism and learn to disagree about some of life's most important questions in a civil way. Finally, philosophy can equip you for any career that requires careful thinking and the ability to clearly express ideas.
Congratulations to our 2025 Black History in the Making Award recipients!
Oniya Smith (left) and Ramsey Cooper (right) were honored for their academic excellence as part of the Department of African American Studies' 2025 Black History in the Making awards, celebrated on February 25th. Faculty had the following to say about Oniya and Ramsey:
Dr. Kevin Brosnan provided the following remarks about Oniya:
Oniya did outstanding work in my philosophy of medicine class. She has also played a vital role in founding and running the philosophy of medicine club; since I'm the faculty advisor for this club, I've worked with her very closely over the past year.
Dr. Catherine Sutton, who has taught Ramsey in multiple classes, provided the following remarks:
In Logic class, Ramsey Cooper earned the highest course average out of 40 students enrolled that semester. In the philosophy senior capstone class, Ms. Cooper had the highest average for in-class assignments, which reflects her ability to express ideas clearly and accurately within time constraints. Her academic endeavors include a semester abroad in Greece and a summer-intensive philosophy program at Brown University. Ms. Cooper volunteers at the SPCA and is a member of the service and leadership fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, all while working part time. She graduates this year and is applying to law school.
News
May 28, 2025
VCU introducing minor in AI studies that uses the humanities and sciences as a framework
Students can delve into the historical, ethical and critical implications of artificial intelligence.
May 15, 2025
cRam Session: Health Science in the Time of Uncertainty – Public Health and the Politicization of Science
3 questions, 2 minutes, 1 lesson with Kevin Brosnan, whose course showcases how the humanities can deepen our understanding of medicine, science and public trust.
Feb. 13, 2025
For the many layers of American democracy, new course taps into the many layers of VCU faculty expertise
Nearly three dozen specialists in the College of Humanities and Sciences are collectively teaching U.S Democracy United/Divided this semester – and organizers think the concept will evolve.