Philosophy | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Think beyond the ordinary

Develop clear, systematic thinking with a degree in philosophy from the University of Iowa.

Why Iowa?

Investigate some of the deepest and most important questions about the world and our place in it, with leading experts in philosophy, at a top writing university.

Study Here

students in classroom at computers discussing topics

Develop your fundamentals

Learn how to think logically and independently, and communicate clearly and effectively. Position yourself for multiple possible career paths—in law, public policy, education, academia, journalism, consulting, and more.

Develop your fundamentals

Advance your academic work

Build on your skills to be a researcher and teacher in academia. Publish your work and learn how to talk about it.

Advance your academic work

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Learn from experts

Our faculty study and are published across the many focus areas in philosophy — from history, to ethics and politics, metaphysics, and beyond.

Learn from experts

Why Philosophy?

Studying philosophy will teach you how to think, argue, and communicate effectively—skills valued highly by employers, law schools and other graduate programs. Philosophy is also intrinsically rewarding, with the power to transform your perspective in deep ways.

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News and announcements

Philosophy student Jack Cantorna launches Iowa's first ‘APPstinence’ club

Friday, August 28, 2026

Created by a Harvard alumna, the 'APPstinence' club aims to help Hawkeyes cut back on screen time and build healthier relationships with technology.

CLAS's top stories from summer 2026

Thursday, August 13, 2026

CLAS's most popular articles from the summer of 2026 share a theme: people and ideas thrive with the right support. From humanities research funding to mathematics outreach, these stories show how expertise, mentorship, and community create new possibilities across CLAS and beyond.