Philosophy - UPitt vs Penn State

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pittsburgh
1

I’ve read that Pitt’s graduate philosophy program is among the best in the nation, but I’m not necessarily sure if this also applies to the undergrad program. I assume the strong grad program rubs off, but I don’t want to pick a school based on assumptions. I’ve been accepted to both schools’ main campuses, and I’m anticipating a lot more financial aid from Penn State (through a few scholarships I applied to + Schreyer’s), although I haven’t received any letters/emails regarding aid from either school, nor have I submitted my FAFSA. Anyway, I’d like to know if Pitt’s undergrad philosophy program is actually on par with its grad program, and whether its so significantly better than Penn State’s philosophy program that it’s worth a few thousands of dollars more. Assume academics is my only criteria for choosing my school–I don’t care about location, frats, sports, etc.–and that I am looking to concentrate in ethics/philosophy of law and go to law school.

Thanks so much in advance!!

2

I’m wondering the exact same thing, specifically with the Politics-Philosophy major. I’m looking to go law school as well. I’ve pretty much chosen Pitt though. Would that probably be a best major at Pitt for before law school?

3

Visit both schools and talk to the philosophy faculty. File FAFSA early and see what aid packages you get.

Also would you qualify for the Pitt’s Law GAP? I would think that would be a major advantage?

https://oafa.pitt.edu/who-fits-at-pitt/guaranteed-admissions-programs/law-gap/

4

Well, considering I didn’t put Pre-law on my application, nor do I plan to major in anything actually law-related (I don’t want to limit my options), I don’t think I qualify.

Thanks for the advice, though. I plan on submitting FAFSA by the end of next week, so I’m good on that front.

@cadet34 I’m also really interested in the Politics-Philosophy joint major, and it’s part of the reason I really favor Pitt or PSU at this point. However, I haven’t visited either or talked to any actual faculty so I’ll just wait on the decision.

5

In the spring they have accepted student days and you could maybe sit in on some classes and talk to students and specific departments.

6

Pitt’s Department of Philosophy has been regarded as one of the tops in the nation for decades, ranked typically in the top 5 in the US and is currently tied at 6 with Harvard in the latest Philosophical Gourmet ranking. Its program in the History of Philosophy of Science has pretty much been recognized as the best in the world since its inception. It is a national mecca for top philosophical thinkers and graduate students. These same faculty and graduate scholars are who are going to be teaching your lectures and TAing your recitations at the undergrad level. They are the people you are going to work with if you do advanced study or research in the department. Philosophy departments are small places.

If you are serious about philosophy, then that should matter. If you are only interested in a pre-law major, then maybe it doesn’t so much.

BTW, Philosophical Gourmet doesn’t have Penn State ranked overall (top 50) or in any specialty. Complete night and day programs. They are also very different schools as far as setting, size, and culture.