Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy at Portland State University (PSU) is dedicated to producing better students, better thinkers, and better members of the community through the exploration of questions about nature, mind, self, identity, and society.

PSU's bachelor’s degree in Philosophy combines abstract theory with applied analysis. Students will learn how to think critically, formulate rigorous arguments, apply logic, and use evidence in all kinds of contexts, including real-world debates involving morals, ethics, politics, and law. As a student of philosophy at Portland State, students will develop reasoning and critical thinking skills through studying the field’s foundational texts and historical figures. Students will also explore the philosophy of language, mind, social/political philosophy, and various areas of applied ethics.

Portland State’s philosophy program gives students the opportunity to develop rigorous habits of mind and critical thinking skills that have value in nearly every profession. Graduates find that their philosophy degree is highly marketable in high-wage professions. Recent research by PayScale discovered that ten years after graduation, philosophy degree holders have higher average earnings than people with degrees in business, accounting, nursing, and many other disciplines.