HOME | A to Z Directory | Events | Maps & Directions | InsidePacific 

College of the Pacific

Why choose a Philosophy degree at Pacific?

Philosophy class

Become Part of an Intellectually Curious Community


To study philosophy at Pacific is truly to belong to a community of intellectually curious individuals. Pacific philosophers—students and faculty alike—are committed to pursuing answers to life's most vexing questions.

Through discussion in settings as varied as the classroom, the lawn beneath a stately campus redwood and the local coffeehouse, students within the program get to know, and indeed become friends with, one another.

The professors in the department—several of whom have won university-wide awards for excellence and innovation in teaching—are supportive, open-minded, readily available to engage with students in discussion, and interested not just in teaching but in continuing to learn alongside the students.

Rounding out this community, finally, are philosophers from all eras and all parts of the world, with whom students are encouraged to see themselves in ongoing conversations.

Examine a Broad Spectrum of Issues


Philosophy is at the core of a liberal arts education. Because philosophy makes contact with issues from so many other disciplines, students of philosophy will become knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects.

For example:

  • In Philosophy of Science (PHIL 61), a student will grow more acquainted with ideas in physics.
  • In Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 121), issues of importance in the field of psychology are within view.
  • In Environmental Ethics (PHIL 35), a student will develop more familiarity with concepts in ecology and public policy.
  • In Bioethics (PHIL 145), one will become better acquainted with various problems in the field of medicine.


For these reasons, to study philosophy at Pacific is to get an extremely well-rounded education, and one that can give the student many different professional options.


Combine Philosophy with Other Areas of Study


That connections exist between philosophy and many other disciplines is a significant part of why philosophy is an excellent choice for students interested in a double major.

The requirements for the major are not especially burdensome, so pairing a philosophy major (or minor) with a major in another department is relatively simple.

This is a particularly attractive option for the student who has a deep desire to contemplate life's great questions but also counts herself or himself as very practically minded.