Philosophy is all about reasoning. It's about analyzing core issues and concepts, even basic assumptions, defending a position with arguments. Students develop many important skills in studying philosophy, including an ability: to think critically, to express ideas clearly and logically, to interpret and evaluate concepts and arguments, and to reflect carefully and deeply on important issues. A Philosophy degree helps students understand the significance of the growing body of facts available, and the wisdom to deal with them at the highest human level. In VIU's Philosophy program, small class sizes allow for in-depth discussions, while students can apply their learning and gain work experience in a new internship program. Bachelor of Philosophy graduates leave the program with clear writing, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving skills that ease them into a variety of careers and further academic study. Philosophy is the critical and systematic study of the fundamental assumptions at play in the entire range of human activity. It concerns itself with explorations into the nature of reality, human knowledge, moral and scientific reasoning, art and society. The study of philosophy fosters the ability to think critically and innovatively, to communicate in a logical manner, to interpret and evaluate core concepts and theories in a number of disciplines and to articulate well-reasoned arguments. These competencies are vital to public discourse in a flourishing democracy and are particularly useful in such professions as law, medicine, business and public administration. Recent studies have demonstrated that students who have completed a program in philosophy score significantly higher than all other humanities and social sciences students on standardized tests for admission to graduate and professional study.