BA in Philosophy
At Houston Christian University (HCU), our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy degree program is for the thinkers, those aiming to sharpen their intellectual abilities, and those interested in careers running the gamut from business and commerce to law and ethics to research and education.
Rooted in the Christian tradition, our curriculum covers comprehensive and classical philosophy topics, offering an exploratory journey through general education and the profound thoughts of ancient philosophers.
Dive into a program that blends rigorous philosophical inquiry with an eye toward career and vocation, preparing you to become an ardent lover and pursuer of wisdom by putting you in direct conversation with philosopher-teacher faculty and great thinkers across our nation and world.
Bachelor’s in Philosophy Overview and Requirements
Our Philosophy major requirements foster improved reading, writing, and analytical thinking skills, equipping students with wisdom for life’s decisions. The 120-credit Bachelor of Arts program enriches a general liberal arts education with a deep dive into philosophical thought from ancient times to today.
You will engage in a blend of core philosophy coursework and the flexibility to pursue advanced topics tailored to your interests, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills. Our program emphasizes practical experience through research opportunities and optional internships, equipping you for diverse careers or further academic exploration, all within the supportive framework of HCU’s commitment to faith, community, and learning.
Degree Plan
Review the BA in Philosophy degree plan and major requirements.
Philosophy Major Courses
Courses in the Philosophy major program span the breadth of philosophical thought, from Socrates to contemporary thinkers, readying you for a world in need of reasoned analysis and ethical reflection.
Philosophy classes include:
- Aesthetics
- Ethics
- Explorations in Philosophy
- Modern & Contemporary Philosophy
- Philosophy of Mind
- Political Philosophy
Philosophy Minor
Explore the option of a Philosophy minor to complete any HCU major, enhancing your understanding and application of philosophical principles across disciplines.
Review the Philosophy minor plan and requirements.
What Can I Do With a BA in Philosophy From HCU?
Earning a bachelor’s in Philosophy from Houston Christian University equips you with versatile skills that pave the way for many career opportunities and further studies. Our graduates have thrived in various fields, from Texas’ bustling oil and gas sector to journalism, law, education, and beyond.
The program hones essential abilities such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and effective communication. You’ll learn to generate innovative ideas, solve complex problems, and adapt to changing situations. With a focus on articulating and analyzing complex concepts clearly, the BA in Philosophy prepares you for an extensive range of careers, allowing you to apply your skills in law, business, public service, technology, and more.
Career and Salary Outcomes
The Philosophy major prepares you for professional fields where critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and clear communication are paramount. Graduate well-equipped for roles that demand deep thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate complex ethical landscapes. Potential career areas include:
- Business and marketing analysis and consulting
- Data analysis
- Ethics and politics
- Human resources
- Public policy
- Technical and professional writing
Your ability to dissect arguments, foresee potential challenges, and propose reasoned solutions is invaluable in entry-level positions across industries. The demand for such reflective and analytical skills offers many opportunities to impact and lead.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual average wage of $60,000 for those with a Philosophy degree. This degree lays the groundwork for roles such as Marketing Analyst, with salaries around $68,230, or Project Management Specialist, for which the BLS reports an average annual salary of $95,370.
Pursuing graduate studies opens paths to academia as postsecondary teachers in philosophy and religion, where the mean annual wage is $87,100. Similarly, law school graduates with a background emphasizing logical reasoning and ethical deliberation can become lawyers with a yearly salary of $135,740.
Opportunities for Philosophy Majors
Join a Community of Christian Thinkers
As a Philosophy major, you’re surrounded by peers and faculty committed to mentoring and helping you grow. From film nights and study sessions to guest speakers and engaging conferences, the philosophy experience at HCU enriches your academic, personal, and spiritual life.
Off campus, you’re located in a hotspot of philosophy-related activity, from Houston’s thriving arts and museum districts to philosophical societies and organizations of thinkers, scholars, and philanthropists.
One-On-One Attention
We design our Philosophy department and undergraduate courses to prioritize personalized attention, with open and engaging conversations with your professors in small classes. Cement your future with support from specialized student success and career and calling staff to help with your résumé and pursue internship or work experiences as you complete your studies. This environment encourages you to explore new ideas about yourself and develop your own theories about the world.
Meet your professors in the Philosophy, History, Law & Society department.
Continue to Graduate Programs in Philosophy at HCU
If you’re working toward a career in academia, religion, ethics, or advanced philosophy, HCU’s Master of Arts in Philosophy (MAPhil) degree program might be the perfect place to land after you complete your undergraduate degree in Philosophy.
Related Programs
In addition to the options to double major and minor in areas that support your career goals in philosophy or personal passions, Arts and Humanities at HCU offer multiple undergraduate programs that also speak to life’s great questions and the existence of universal truths.
- Bachelor of Arts in Great Texts: Study the texts that define humanity, from the Bible to literature and philosophical works.
- Bachelor of Arts in History: Gain comprehensive skills in applying historical theories and themes of human society to real-world situations and further graduate study.
- Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law/Legal Studies: Prepare academically and experientially for entry-level legal support roles, or apply to law school.
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: Focus your academic studies on events and contexts related to politics and how their implications filter through all sectors.
Admissions and Aid
Discover a program that blends faith and reason, where intellectual curiosity leads to personal and professional growth. Join us at HCU and explore our admissions and financial aid options to start your journey toward a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it.
- Undergraduate admissions: Review admissions information, whether transferring credits or starting college for the first time.
- Financial aid starts here: Find tuition and cost details and apply for aid.
- HCU at a glance: From facts and figures to the values our community is built upon, explore who we are at Houston Christian University.
Become a Philosophy Major at Houston Christian University
At Houston Christian University, our Philosophy major program helps you seamlessly transition from in-depth philosophical inquiry to impactful careers that fulfill your spiritual and personal expectations.
Ready to prepare for an impactful career by asking life’s most challenging questions? Apply to the BA in Philosophy program today.