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.

Learn more about the value of a degree in philosophy.

Congratulations to our 2025 Black History in the Making Award recipients!

Oniya Smith's profile photo for Black History in the Making Ramsey Cooper's profile photo for Black History in the Making

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

This fall, VCU is introducing an interdisciplinary minor in AI studies in humanities and sciences that will explore AI from perspectives throughout the college’s disciplines. (Getty Images)

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.

(Getty Images)

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.

Jatia Wrighten, Ph.D. and Alexandra Reckendorf, Ph.D., talked to students about political and social movements during their session in the U.S. Democracy United/Divided course. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

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.

Philosophy Spotlight