Philosophy serves as an integral part of a liberal arts education by providing students the opportunities and skills necessary to:
- Think clearly and logically
- Communicate precisely and effectively
- Examine the fundamental questions of reality, knowledge and values that provide a foundation for other disciplines and a life of continued learning
- Recognize the role that philosophical ideas and presuppositions have played in the development of both the Western intellectual tradition and Christian thought
An OBU B.A. in Philosophy is a traditional liberal arts degree program that exposes students to both the broad contours and the in-depth intricacies of Western philosophy from a Christian worldview perspective. All of our philosophy majors take courses in the history of philosophy (ancient and modern), logic, ethics (moral philosophy) and epistemology (theory of knowledge) to build a solid foundation of philosophical breadth and depth. Additional philosophy electives round out the student’s degree plan: electives include apologetics, aesthetics (philosophy of art/beauty), philosophy of religion, existentialism, philosophy of science, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and history of medieval philosophy.
Degree Options
| Degree Option | Degree Plan |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy | |
| Minor in Philosophy |
What makes an OBU Philosophy degree special?
OBU’s Philosophy degree combines excellent preparation for graduate school and/or public vocations with a specifically Christian perspective. The result is that our graduates are fully equipped to succeed in either a secular or a Christian venue, wherever they may be led.
In addition to the academic rigors and challenges of the Philosophy degree, our Philosophy department organizes trips to regional and national Philosophy conferences, and hosts on-campus lectures and forums engaging significant philosophical topics. Our program size also allows for a close professor-student relationship, including regular opportunities to share meals and conversations at professors’ homes.
What are OBU grads doing with their Philosophy degrees?
This degree prepares students to:
- Pursue diverse careers such as research and public relations
- Pursue argument-based professions such as law and advocacy
- Go to graduate school or seminary with the goal of teaching
The list of OBU Philosophy grads involvements and accomplishments is incredibly diverse. The majority of our graduates go directly to grad school—many of those in Philosophy (at diverse schools, such as University of Oklahoma, Fordham University, University of Florida, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, University of Notre Dame), but others in Communication Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Divinity, Biblical Studies, English, Journalism, Medicine, and Law. Several Philosophy grads have pursued public-sector careers in research, public relations, social work, advocacy, speech writing, politics, and education. A number of OBU Philosophy graduates have completed a Ph.D. and are teaching full-time at schools like Harvard, Southwestern College, Bellarmine and Yale.
Faculty
Learn more about our Theology and Ministry faculty.
This program is offered through the Herschel H. Hobbs School of Theology and Ministry.
