Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy is an enterprise of both mind and spirit, offering a disciplined exploration of the large questions of life and existence.

It is an excellent major (or double major) for students who are pre-law or who are considering graduate degrees in philosophy, political science, theology, or bioethics.

The Curriculum
Grow as an individual thinker

Your work as a student will endow you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a philosophically literate person. At the same time, our focus is on the integration of this knowledge with your own individual process of moral, spiritual, and intellectual growth. Ultimately, you will be able to utilize balanced arguments and critical, reflective thought in all your pursuits.

The importance of ethics

We place a strong emphasis on ethics—the general inquiry into how it is best to live. Your learning will cover personal ethics, social ethics, bioethics, and the ethics of technology.

Expand your mind with experience

Several of your courses will include experiences that take you away from campus and into the heart of your subject.

For example, the upper-division class Chinese Philosophy and Culture visited His Lai Temple as part of their research on Buddhist rituals, images, and architectural design. This was coupled with a trip to San Gabriel Square (a Chinese shopping district) to explore Chinese medicines, fashions, and food. In this way, students could integrate their understanding of Chinese philosophy and culture with contemporary practices of worship and daily living.

Pursue your passions through the lens of philosophy

Internships are offered through independent study or departmental honors courses, and are initiated through dialogue with faculty. Because of this one-on-one relationship, you have the opportunity to combine other interests with your academic pursuits.

One student, a competitive horse rider, studied the way horses were trained and stabled, read books and articles on show horse training, and integrated this with conversation and reading on general philosophical ethics and the ethical treatment of animals in particular.



Programs

Offered as a major (BA) and a minor.


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


Your Future

A philosophy degree is highly valued in a variety of fields because of its interdisciplinary nature. Hospitals, government agencies, legal, non-profit organizations and business corporations seek out people with a philosophical education for their training in clear and focused thinking. You will also be well prepared should you choose to further your philosophy education through a graduate program.


Our alumni study at:
  • London School of Economics
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • St. John’s College
  • Southwestern University
  • UC, Berkley
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Denver
  • University of Washington
Our alumni work for:
  • Business Insider
  • Capital Fellows Programs
  • Disneyland Resort
  • Enterprise Holdings
  • Liberty Advertising
  • Real So Cal Soccer Club
  • QX Telecom/WQ Long Distance
Career paths:
  • Advertising Distributor
  • Coach
  • Judicial Administrative Fellow
  • Marketing Strategy Manager
  • Regulatory Affairs Manager
  • Teacher
  • Vice President of Operations and Development

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



Want to learn more?

Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, admission process, and more!

©