Computer Science, Computer Informatics, & Applied Philosophy
John Kalis can trace the beginning of his career all the way back to Mount Mercy University.
Answer the most important questions of human existence
Integrating personal experience with philosophical reflection.
This major provides a flexible framework for students interested in philosophical questions.
The applied philosophy major emphasizes critical thinking and practical ethics, and thus is designed to be a useful second major, which becomes the area of 'application' for interdisciplinary study in the student's senior research.
The philosophy faculty must approve all programs in applied philosophy. The approval procedure requires that each student complete a plan for the major which must explain the reasons why he/she is undertaking this program and include a list of the courses to be taken in philosophy and from other departments.
By learning to think critically about the political, economic, social, and religious systems of our culture, we can reclaim an authentic version of ourselves.
Curriculum
Think deeply and carefully about important issues.
Students are engaged in one-on-one mentorship with faculty members who guide you in developing a personalized program of study based on your interests and goals. Courses also help you answer some of the most debated questions of human existence: How do we know what we know? What does it mean to exist, to be human? Does God exist? How can we live ethically?
Philosophy students work directly with a faculty member on a major interdisciplinary research project during their senior year. You’ll learn to articulate your own philosophical positions with clarity and depth both in writing and speech.
Recent research projects include:
- The ethics of cloning humans
- An examination of the ethics of intellectual property issues like copying software
- Ethical standards in journalism
- An ethical examination of human resources theories
What courses will I take?
What are the next steps?
Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.
We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.
Learn more about:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- MMU-offered scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement from employers
- 10% tuition discount for employees of partner organizations
- Veterans benefits
We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.
- Create your application
- Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
- Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:
* Mount Mercy University Admissions
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"
For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.
Careers in philosophy
Apply your critical, ethical thinking skill set.
The most obvious career path in philosophy is graduate school and then professorship. However, philosophy students generally excel at a variety of skills, including critical and higher-order thinking, finding key concepts in the midst of complex information, evaluating ideas, clarifying ethical dimensions, and communicating effectively.
As a result, our majors have succeeded in graduate schools in many disciplines, especially law school. In addition, philosophy students have found that these skills have contributed to their success in whatever field they enter.
Philosophy majors are also employed locally at:
- Mercy Medical Center
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Horizons: A Family Service Alliance
- Area Substance Abuse Council
- Brucemore historic site and community cultural center