Explore. Create. Communicate.
Intellectual exploration. Creativity. Critical thinking. Understanding other cultures — and your own. The many majors available in the fields of literature, history, and philosophy may have different approaches, but they share these common elements.
World-class thinkers and scholars are your guides
At WSU, your professors are world-class scholars and thinkers — and they're dedicated to your success.
And the opportunities at WSU go far beyond class time. Scholars of national and international reputation come to Pullman to engage and share their ideas on timely topics.
For instance:
- Each year the Potter Memorial Lectureship and the Inland Northwest Philosophy Conference bring top thinkers and scholars to WSU — including such renowned philosophers as Daniel Dennett and Noam Chomsky.
- The Visiting Writer Series hosts readings and discussions with local, national, and international authors.
- National and international scholars come to Pullman to share their ideas in guest lectures or even to spend a semester or a year teaching advanced students.
- The WSU Fulbright Academy provides fellowships that enable both professors and students to gain priceless experience doing research in other countries.
- The Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service brings in guest speakers and sponsors symposia on issues of culture, ethics, service, and (of course) politics. The Foley Institute also offers scholarships and facilitates internships in locations across the U.S.
- The Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts Committee, funded by the University's student government and run in large part by students, brings world-class art and cultural events to campus.
Outstanding pre-law preparation
History, philosophy, English, and related majors are ideal choices for pre-law study because they are built around the very skills that law schools demand.
Law schools don't care what your major is — but they demand strong skills in reading comprehension, researching, writing, and critical reasoning. In fact, the LSAT is mostly a test of comprehension and reasoning, not factual knowledge.
WSU offers plenty of opportunities for pre-law students to shine. For instance, at least one WSU mock trial team has advanced to a national tournament every year since 2006. And the philosophy majors boast the University's highest law school acceptance rate.