Northern Illinois University
Department of Philosophy
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Philosophy

Think big.

Philosophy is the investigation of enduring and foundational questions about ourselves, the world, and society. What is real? Is the mind separate from the body? Do we have free will? How can we tell right from wrong? What is justice? Philosophy compels us to critically examine our beliefs and reflect on what truly makes us human.

NIU’s philosophy department offers:

B.A./B.S. program, where you’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills that apply to a wide range of careers.
A nationally recognized master’s program that prepares you for doctoral-level study and advanced research in philosophy
Undergraduate applied ethics certificate focused on applying philosophical principles to real-world ethical challenges.
Undergraduate minor that pairs easily with nearly any major.

Department News

Logan Mitchell will join the philosophy faculty in fall 2026 as the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies, a joint appointment with NIU’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
M.A. student Tejas Bhojraj has been awarded the 2026 JoAnne Rafalson Memorial Essay Prize for his paper “David Lewis's Theories of Chance and Counterfactuals in the Quantum 'Context.’” Congratulations, Tejas!
Professor Lenny Clapp has been named one of two winners of the 2025-2026 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, in recognition of excellence in graduate teaching and mentoring. Congratulations, Professor Clapp!