Welcome to the Department of Philosophy
The Portland State University Department of Philosophy serves the community by cultivating skills to thoughtfully engage with ideas, critically and fairly respond to arguments, and carefully interpret and analyze texts; by advancing knowledge through research in a variety of philosophical traditions; and by applying philosophical insight for personal enrichment and solutions to local and worldwide problems.
We share Portland State University's commitment to educating a diverse community of lifelong learners, to promoting access, inclusion, and equity, and to treating members of our community with respect. Our faculty welcome students from all backgrounds into our Department and provide a broad philosophical education.
The study of Philosophy teaches highly sought after skills skills such as critical and creative thinking, effective written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning. Top employers for PSU Philosophy alumni include Intel, Nike, OHSU, Providence Health, Kaiser Permanente, US Bank, the State of Oregon, Multnomah County, and Portland Public Schools.
PSU Department of Philosophy ranked one of the Best Online Philosophy Degrees
Forbes Advisor featured a number of the best online philosophy degrees, and the PSU Department of Philosophy was at the top of their list. They picked our degree because PSU "plays a dynamic role in [Portland's] intellectual and cultural life," our department's Socratic Society and Philosophy Club, the diversity of PSU, and our retention rates. Please see our Major & Minor Requirements page for more info on the degree, and feel free to check out their full list of the best online Philosophy degrees.