How's SMU's Philosophy Program?

Hi there! I'm a high school junior interested in studying philosophy in college. I've been researching Southern Methodist University (SMU) and I'd like to know how their philosophy program is. Are the classes interesting and challenging? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi! It's great to hear that you're interested in studying philosophy and have been looking into Southern Methodist University (SMU). SMU's Department of Philosophy offers a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, which allows students to explore various philosophical topics and traditions. The department has a strong reputation for its faculty members who are well-regarded in their fields, and the courses offered at SMU are known to be thought-provoking and engaging.

The philosophy program at SMU is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, as well as effective communication and problem-solving abilities, which are invaluable in a wide range of professional and personal contexts. The curriculum includes foundational courses in areas like logic, ethics, and metaphysics, as well as more specialized courses in specific subjects such as ancient Greek philosophy, existentialism, and philosophy of mind.

SMU also offers students the opportunity to engage in research and extracurricular activities related to philosophy. The SMU Philosophy Club, for example, is an active student organization that sponsors events like movie nights, guest speakers, and philosophical discussions. Additionally, students have opportunities to work closely with faculty members on their own research projects or even present their work at conferences.

One thing to consider when forming your opinion about the philosophy program at SMU would be the size and resources of the department compared to other universities. While SMU is a well-regarded institution, the philosophy program might not be as extensive or have as many course offerings as larger programs at other universities. It's essential to think about your preferences when it comes to class sizes, faculty accessibility, and available resources.

To get a better sense of the program's quality and student experience, it might be helpful to connect with current SMU Philosophy students or reach out to the department directly with any specific questions you might have. You can also attend any SMU virtual events or open houses to get a feel for the overall campus environment and academic culture.

Overall, SMU's Philosophy program has a lot to offer for students looking for an engaging and challenging academic experience. Make sure to keep your academic and personal preferences in mind as you continue researching and deciding which college is the best fit for you, personally as well as academically.

If you do end up applying to SMU and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-southern-methodist-university-essays/. Good luck!