Academics
Seven colleges focused on subjects from agriculture and business to science and the arts. More than 300 undergraduate majors and minors, graduate degrees, and professional certifications.
Admissions
We’re regularly named among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Universities in the West. Our historic campus is within walking and biking distance of Chico’s charming, tree-lined downtown. Our graduates go on to become leaders in their careers and communities.
Cost and Aid
A Chico State education is more affordable than almost any other four-year college. And our students graduate with some of the lowest debt in the country—so you can focus on your future, not loan repayment plans.
Student Life
When you’re a Wildcat, you’ll get so much more from your time here than simply a degree. You’re going to learn about yourself, your community, and the things that inspire you to step forward. Student life at Chico State is all about being active and engaged—building skills and memories you’ll carry with you well after graduation.
Athletics

Philosophy Department

Location: Arts and Humanities Building 369
Phone: 530-898-6183
Email: phil@csuchico.edu

Philosophy Department

Philosophy majors address the fundamental questions by developing foundational cognitive skills. They learn to question the things most people take for granted and they learn how to go about pursuing the answers to those questions.

The great virtue of philosophy is that it teaches not what to think, but how to think. Because of this, a philosophical education is a valuable foundation for just about any career and just about any sort of life.

Explore Our Programs

Curious about what we offer? Browse our program pages to uncover details on majors, career paths, and unique learning experiences.

Bachelor’s
Philosophy BA
Minors and Certificates
Ethics Minor
Philosophy Minor

Why Choose Philosophy at Chico State

Modern Courses Applying Timeless Wisdom

Course options include traditional subjects and courses that apply the time-tested wisdom of philosophy to the latest developments in society, preparing students for emerging future.

Jobs at Firms like Google & Oracle

Recent alumni have used the analytical skills they developed studying philosophy at Chico State to develop careers such as program manager and software developer at leading Silicon Valley firms like Google, Oracle and Indeed.

Alumni at Notable Law Schools

Rigorous training in logic leads Philosophy majors to score exceptionally well on the Law School Admissions Test. Alumni have earned spots in law schools including UC Law San Francisco McGeorge School of the Law, Santa Clara Law, and Loyola Law.

Courses You Can Take

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence promises to transform our lives. This course explores the profound ethical issues posed by this technology.
History of Ancient Philosophy
Western philosophical thought from the pre-Socratics through Stoicism, including movements and figures such as Pythagoreanism, Plato, and Aristotle.

Learning Experience

Interactive Class Discussions
Most courses for the Philosophy major are seminars with around 15 students, allowing for rich and extended interactions.
PhD-Powered Education
Students are taught directly by professors with PhDs from top programs like Princeton, Columbia, and UC Berkeley.

Student Life

Weekly Events

Weekly “Tea & Talk” gatherings provide an informal venue for students to connect with each other and Philosophy faculty, forming a tight-knit community that supports student success.

Student Clubs

Philosophy students find opportunity for connection outside the classroom by joining Phi Sigma Tau, the student philosophy club.

Discover Stories and More

Chico State Today

Philosophy: What is it good for?

Watch a panel discussion hosted by Philosophy alumna Faith Chalk.