Student Opportunities
Organizations
Phi Sigma Tau
"Phi Sigma Tau is the International Honor Society in Philosophy. Founded in 1930 and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1955, the Society now has a network of over 230 chapters throughout the United States, at both public and private institutions of higher learning. The purpose of Phi Sigma Tau is to encourage interest and activity among students and to promote ties between philosophy departments in accredited institutions. Phi Sigma Tau publishes a journal, Dialogue, for student contributions in all areas of contemporary philosophical research. Other PST publications include the PST Newsletter (published three times yearly) and the National Alumni Chapter Bulletin. The PST Newsletter is sent to all students and alumni/ae members and contains news of local chapter activities. The National Alumni Chapter (NAC) provides a medium of exchange and communication for onetime PST members who desire to retain their affiliation with the Society following graduation."- From the Phi Sigma Tau website
Membership in Phi Sigma Tau is open to anyone in the upper 35% of their class who has completed any three courses in philosophy or religion with a B+ average in those three courses. Non-majors as well as current majors are eligible. Membership is honorary and carries no obligation beyond the application process. Membership inquiries go to Dr. McCabe.
Philosophy Club
The department sponsors a Philosophy Club for like minded students to gather outside the classroom. The Club is led by students. Activities vary from year to year, depending on the interests of members, but notable club events include attending guest lectures and roundtable discussions with prestigious scholars, club philosophy hours (often with tea and cookies!), and publishing the student philosophy journal Aperion. For membership information see 'Students Clubs and Organizations' on the WC site, or contact the department.
Students and faculty attend a guest lecture and discussion with British Philosopher Rodger Scruton.
This past spring, the Philosophy club hosted their first annual Marxist Speaker Event. Watch the event and keep an eye out here for more news about philosophy club events!
Internships & Experiential Learning
Internships:
Each summer, there are many exciting internship opportunities for students of philosophy and religion, including positions at:
Think tanks like the Brookings Institution
Government agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities,
NGO’s like the Center for Bioethics.
The Center for Career Development at Washington College compiles a list of all philosophy and religion internships each year. Most applications for summer are due during the preceding fall or winter.
The CV Starr Center for the American Experience (A Signature center of Washington College) also provides philosophy oriented internships through their Explore America program.
Experiential Learning:
Many Philosophy students take advantage of our robust study abroad program to explore unique philosophical opportunities . Check out our Study Abroad (link forfthcoming) page to see a list of partner institutions.
The Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture provides students short term study abroad opportunities, guest lectures and speakers from prestigious institutions, and specialized research opportunities with faculty from oxford university.