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Philosophical Traditions Concentration

Philosophical debate at the Aquinas Gala
  • Program Type
    Concentration
  • School
    School of Arts & Sciences
Pre-Professional Programs

Dive deeper into the history of human thought and expression with this intensive exploration of western philosophy from the ancients to modern and contemporary thinkers.

What You’ll Learn

Some in philosophy study the tradition as an end in itself, as though it ended in the Middle Ages. Others ignore the tradition, pretending that philosophy began in the twentieth century. At Mary, by contrast, we study tradition for today, giving you skills for tomorrow, and, more importantly, wisdom for life.

Explore the Tradition

In the philosophical traditions concentration, students study Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and many others. Join a conversation that’s been happening for thousands of years—debating what’s true, good, and beautiful with the most brilliant thinkers of western history.

Sharpen Your Thinking

Students on this intensive track study logic extensively, learning to read carefully, reason rigorously, and write clearly. This concentration is ideal for those planning rigorous graduate study in philosophy, law, medicine, seminary, or other academic fields.

Awaken to the Everyday

Those pursuing this concentration delve deeply into the character of everyday experience. Guided by Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, and many others, they integrate what they learn in the classroom with what they live outside of it.

Do More in Four

Students in this concentration should consider our innovative Year-Round Campus Program, which enables them to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Philosophy in four years. Taking this route also enables you to apply to become a Theodore Roosevelt Summer Fellow, which includes a vibrant community, moral and intellectual formation, and scholarships!

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Careers & Outcomes

Employment Trends

The critical thinking and communication skills our philosophy students develop are valued by employers in a wide range of career fields in the business, non-profit, education, and public sectors. Philosophy students who double-major expand their career options and job opportunities.

Career Paths

  • Educator
  • Attorney
  • Entrepreneur
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Priest or Religious
  • Health Care Professional
  • Scientist
  • Journalist
  • Marketer

Featured Faculty

Hannah Lyn Venable, PhD

Chair of Philosophy, Assistant Professor of Philosophy

I grew up in Texas and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Texas receiving degrees in philosophy and music (piano). My love for philosophy has allowed me to live in amazing places including Florida to complete a master’s in philosophy and theology, New Zealand to write my master’s thesis on art and existentialism, and Paris to do research for my doctoral dissertation on French philosophy. I obtained my PhD from the University of Dallas and have taught at the University of Dallas, Texas State University, and Trinity University. I am married and have four daughters.

View Profile

Full Philosophy Listing

Donald J. Bungum, PhD

Director of Graduate Philosophy, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Associate Professor of Catholic Studies

Learn More About Philosophical Traditions