By Calvin Bruhns
Philosophy at UC Santa Barbara has become the fastest growing among all Humanities majors, up 56% in the past six years. From 2014 to 2017, the number of undergraduates admitted annually to philosophy grew from 74 to 152 bringing the total number in the program to approximately 300. The trend shows no signs of slowing down as students recognize the discipline offers a proven path into professions such as law and business.
To meet the demand, Philosophy has expanded its course offerings and recently hired three new faculty members, with plans to hire two more. Professors Dan Korman teaches popular introductory courses and also metaphysics and epistemology. Thomas Barrett is an expert in science and logic. And Patricio Fernandez specializes in the philosophy of economics as well as ethics.
Please click on the video below to hear undergraduate director Tom Holden and current students talk about why philosophy has caught the buzz among students, both for career success and to get the most out of one's university years.