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B.A. in Philosophy

Jesus calls his followers to love God “with all your mind.” Philosophy is a discipline that equips us to grow in that capacity. Biola’s philosophy major will challenge you to think deeply about humanity’s most enduring questions: What is real? What can we know? How should we treat one another? In the process, you will gain practical skills that prepare you for a broad range of careers and graduate programs.

In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s philosophy program offers several key advantages:

  • Skills gained in the philosophy major include the ability to ask good questions and expose underlying assumptions, and biases and concepts, and write clearly, concisely and precisely.
  • Biola’s location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for internships and job opportunities.

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Courses

What will I study as a philosophy major?

A Biola philosophy major provides a broad-based liberal arts education. Courses bring faith and reason together and are structured to give you an understanding how to think critically from a Christian perspective about a wide range of issues. You will work in a close-knit community of colleagues at reading and engaging the world’s great philosophers and wisdom traditions, always with an eye on the question, What can be learned from these thinkers and traditions about more effectively practicing the teachings of Jesus? Topics covered include:

  • Deductive and inductive inference: What are the marks of good reasoning?
  • Argumentative writing skills: What makes for effective argumentative writing?
  • The history of philosophy: Who are its main thinkers? What are its main themes? Which are its key texts?
  • Metaphysics: What is real? How is reality structured?
  • Epistemology: What is knowledge? What can we know? What differentiates rational from irrational belief?
  • Philosophy of religion: What are the main arguments for and against God's existence? Does the existence, magnitude or distribution of suffering constitute evidence against God’s existence?
  • Philosophical theology: What does philosophy have to teach us about the great doctrines of Christianity: Trinity, Incarnation, Atonement, etc.?
  • Ethics: What makes an action right or wrong? What makes people virtuous or vicious?
  • Practical wisdom: What is a good life? What practices and character traits aid in living a full human life?

Bible and Theology Coursework

As part of Biola’s commitment to a biblically centered education, most undergraduate students complete 30 credits of biblical and theological studies as a part of their degree program. Learn more about our Bible and theology core.

Career Outlook and Preparation

What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy?

Biola's philosophy major provides a wide range of transferable work skills that will prepare you for a career in a variety of fields. As a well-rounded, critical-thinking professional, you can expect to impact the world for Jesus Christ in professions such as:

  • Law
  • Ministry
  • Business
  • Public Policy
  • Journalism
  • Education

In addition, graduates of Biola's philosophy major have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious programs in the academic world, including: Rutgers; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Oxford; Cornell; Princeton; University of Southern California; University of California, Los Angeles; and University of Notre Dame.

Many other graduates have gone on to study law, theology, medicine, social work and business, or are successfully employed in a variety of fields, including computer programming, graphic design, agriculture, business consulting, law, medicine, social work and education.

10% job growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for lawyers is projected to be faster than average between 2021 and 2031.

BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.


Harrison Jennings

My program instilled in me invaluable critical and analytical thinking skills, the importance of dialogue and discussion in pursuing solutions to questions, and the habit of disciplined work.

Philosophy, B.A. '20
Abigail Arnold

Learning how to analyze and create concise arguments, articulate ideas, craft good writing and think both theoretically and practically are valuable skills taught in philosophy that are practical for all of life.

Abigail Arnold
Philosophy, B.A. '17

Admissions

Admissions Process

Learn about Biola’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.

Schedule a Visit

Learn more about this program by attending an upcoming event for prospective students and parents, or by scheduling a personalized visit.

Visit Biola

Tuition and Financial Aid

Attaining a degree from Biola is more affordable than you might think — dramatically lower than the “sticker price” in most cases — with 100% of incoming undergraduate students receiving some form of financial aid.

Faculty


Learning Opportunities

Philosophy Club

The philosophy club meets weekly to foster and develop an intentional community within the philosophy department. Meetings entail anything and everything from conversations over dinner, peer presentations, interaction and engagement with the Talbot School of Theology and Philosophy, vetting thesis ideas, exploring topics of interest at more length than what can be covered in class, field trips to philosophy conferences in the surrounding area, game nights and more! The student body believes that true philosophy happens when we live life together. We can't pursue the knowledge or embodiment of the good life alone. Information about ASP events and meetings can be obtained through the department at philosophy.department@biola.edu.

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Format

You'll study in person at Biola University's campus in Southern California.

Total Credits

Total program credits include major-specific courses and Biola's core curriculum.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.