Discover your own love of wisdom and earn your bachelor's degree or minor in Philosophy while studying the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. The Department of Philosophy at Portland State University offers flexible options to fit your lifestyle: study in-person, online, or a blend of both.
At Portland State, we are dedicated to producing better students, better thinkers, and better members of our community through the exploration of fundamental questions about nature, mind, self, identity, and society. Whether you choose to learn on-campus in the heart of Portland or from wherever you are through our online courses, you'll receive a top-notch education tailored to your needs.
Flexible Options: In-person, Online, or Both
Our philosophy program combines abstract theory with applied analysis, offering courses that develop your critical thinking, logic, and argumentation skills. You’ll explore foundational texts, historical figures, and contemporary issues such as applied ethics, social and political philosophy, and the philosophy of language and mind.
Whether you’re a first-time freshman, a transfer student, or a working professional, you can complete your degree or minor in Philosophy with the flexibility you need. You can attend classes on-campus, learn fully online, or mix and match for a truly customizable experience.
Portland State’s Philosophy program provides a modern perspective with an eye toward challenging the status quo and engaging real-world problems. Whether studying in-person or online, you’ll benefit from:
Expert Faculty: Our instructors are dedicated to undergraduate education and student success, delivering courses both in-person and online.
Personalized Learning: You can tailor your studies to focus on the areas of philosophy that interest you most, from ethics to law, to the philosophy of science.
Real Connections: In both online and classroom settings, our courses encourage direct engagement with faculty and peers. Join a community of thinkers through discussions, advising, and research opportunities.
Impactful Capstones: Contribute to the greater Portland community through hands-on projects like teaching philosophy to children or participating in the Oregon High School Ethics Bowl.
Our vibrant department also hosts events such as the Socratic Society, where leading philosophers from around the world engage in thought-provoking discussions.
Philosophy Program Highlights
No matter how you choose to take courses—in-person, online, or both—you’ll have access to the same exceptional curriculum, including:
- Ancient philosophy
- Early Modern philosophy
- Formal logic
- Business ethics
- Environmental ethics
- Philosophy of law
- International human rights
- Biomedical ethics
... ande many more.
Philosophy graduates stand out in the job market as independent thinkers with highly adaptable skills. You’ll excel at writing, research, critical analysis, and problem-solving—skills valued across industries like business, technology, education, public policy, health care, and law.
Many of our graduates continue on to top Master’s and Doctoral programs, or launch careers with organizations such as:
- Kaiser Permanente
- OHSU
- Intel
- Law firms
- Educational institutions
- Government and policy organizations
Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or further academic study, a philosophy degree from Portland State equips you to think deeply, reason effectively, and change the world.
Philosophy at Portland State: Flexible, Rigorous, and Community-Focused.
Earn your degree your way—in-person, online, or a combination of both—and prepare for a lifetime of learning and success.