Explore meaning and examine life’s mysteries as you shape your future.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy is ideal for students who enjoy asking stimulating questions and thinking critically within a dynamic community. Using disciplined philosophical practices, students will ask questions about the world and themselves, even questions for which there may be no easy answers. Philosophy builds strong skills like communication, critical analysis, and problem solving, which are valuable in a wide variety of careers.

In this program, you will delve into ideas that are interconnected with your daily life, including social relationships, media, science, and faith. PLNU’s experienced faculty will share their expertise in a variety of key aspects of philosophy, including:

• Philosophy of science
• Theories of Justice
• Structures of Power
• Philosophy of Art
• Logic
• And more.

Spotlight

Matthew Applegate, Ph.D. (08)

Matthew Applegate, Ph.D. (08) has used his philosophy education to open opportunities to a variety of academic areas.

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The Philosophy B.A. is a versatile major that can lead to great paths beyond undergrad, such as law school and education. Skills in critical analysis, problem solving, and navigating complex ideas will help you stand out in your graduate school or career of choice. In fact, philosophy majors consistently score better than nearly all other majors on graduate school admission exams and on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).

At just 34 units, the Philosophy B.A. also makes for an excellent double major and is complementary to most programs, like STEM, creative arts, psychology, political sciences, business, and more. With only three mandatory classes — Logic (PHL 2077), Plato and Aristotle (PHL 3001), and Descartes through Hegel (PHL 3002) — plus a capstone course, you have the flexibility to fulfill your major units studying whatever upper-division philosophy classes you’re interested in.

Whether you’re creative, counter-cultural, empathetic, or entrepreneurial, philosophy will open a world of opportunities for your personal and professional development.

For information about the courses required for the Philosophy, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Philosophy is fundamental to understanding our shared history of humanity and how we interact within society. But what about making a career out of a philosophy degree?

The versatile set of skills you can develop by pursuing a degree in philosophy from PLNU will equip you for fields as varied as law, education, business, government, and journalism. What remains at the core of philosophy, however, is preparing you to be the connection point between the history of our species and our faith, beliefs, thoughts and actions today.

At PLNU, our philosophy program centers on three fundamental objectives:

• Developing and mastering critical analyses of difficult texts.
• Creative problem-solving skills and articulation of complex thoughts and ideas.
• Preparing you to stand out in your graduate school or career of choice.

Job outlook for philosophy careers

Employment in careers related to the Philosophy B.A. are projected to continue to increase. For postsecondary teachers (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), “overall employment is projected to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What can you do with a philosophy degree?

Many graduates of the philosophy program have gone on to work in industries such as marketing, education, church ministry, and nonprofits.

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold:

Postsecondary Teacher

2020 Median annual salary: $80,790
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level at colleges, professional schools, and universities like PLNU. They plan courses and curriculum based on the area of study they are teaching. Additionally, they assess students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work

Necessary attributes and skills:

• One to two years of teaching experience
• Master’s or doctoral degree
• Engaging conversationalist and speaker
• Ability to evaluate papers and projects
• Thorough expertise and knowledge of specified department and subject
• Time management skills

Marketing Managers

2020 Median annual salary: $142,170
Marketing managers create programs to facilitate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, advertising sales agents, and financial staff members to promote growth within their company. Marketing managers estimate and analyze the demand for products and services that an organization and its competitors offer. Additionally, they highlight and utilize markets that show promise for the organization’s products.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Clear communication and cooperation to work with department heads or staff
• An understanding of pricing strategies for products or services marketed to the target customers
• Interpersonal skills to meet with clients and provide marketing 
• Knowledge of planning promotional campaigns

Community and Social Service Specialists

2020 Median annual salary: $46,770
Community and social services specialists help individuals in need find government and private assistance programs. They coordinate activities like community outreach and social service programs to engage the neighborhoods within their reach. Their clientele ranges from people with psychological or addiction problems to lower income families.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Assisting adults and/or children with developmental disabilities
• Open communication and non-judgemental interviewing abailities
• Problem-solving skills specific to client’s needs
• Networked and connected with individual and family service programs, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and social advocacy organizations
• Thorough knowledge of overall direction and mission for partnering organizations

Lawyers

2020 Median annual salary: $126,930
Lawyers represent and guide individuals, government agencies, and companies both in private and public affairs. Lawyers must complete an undergraduate degree, a law degree, and must also typically pass a state’s written bar examination. When it comes to Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and bar exams, philosophy degrees can help prepare a student to think in a way that brings success in these exams.

Necessary attributes and skills: 

• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems
• Thorough understanding of laws, regulations, and rulings
• Strong writing skills for cases, contracts, wills, etc.
• Articulate speaker and communicator

Understanding who you are and developing your philosophical understanding to, in turn, make a difference in society

With a Philosophy B.A. from PLNU, you will be prepared in your future pursuits whether it be law school, graduate school, or stepping into a community outreach position. Not only will you be a more articulate, creative, and critically thinking individual, but you will also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for your aspirations and goals as a more informed and connected person to history and humanity. 

As philosopher Simone de Beauvoir said, “The fact is that every concrete human being is always a singular, separate individual.” How will you use your philosophy degree to discover the essence of your individuality and the opportunities for intersection with humanity? 

Take the first step and apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors here for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.