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Philosophy, BA

CBU's philosophy bachelor's program challenges students to think deeply about their faith so that they can know what they believe and why they believe it. They’ll learn to recognize, analyze and engage the central issues of human existence through the context of history.

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Program Intro

In CBU's philosophy program, students cover such topics as ethics, metaphysics, comparative religions and logic. They will also study apologetics which enables them to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you” as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15.

36 Units

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40 Books Written By SCM Faculty
12 Required Major Courses

Why Study Philosophy at CBU?

Caring faculty guide you through the discipline

Faculty in the philosophy program work closely with students and are always accessible. They facilitate dialogue in the classroom to model the practical outworking of philosophical engagement. In assigned texts, students are introduced to contemporary philosophical thinking against a backdrop of the entire history of Western philosophical thinking. These are discussed in light of the biblical worldview, the heart of our program.

What you learn can be applied anywhere

CBU emphasizes clear writing, critical thinking and careful reading, and these skills will enhance any career path. In that sense, a philosophy degree is one of the most practical degrees, considering how often people, on average, change jobs. The philosophy major is also the very best preparation for law school. We have alumni working in law firms, for Congress, for national publications, in business, in ministry, and other places.

What You'll Learn

Program Details

PHI 300: Logic

A systematized study of the canons and criteria of validity in thought and its rational expression.

WLD 181: Goodness, Truth and Beauty

This class explores the concept and reality of truth, goodness, and beauty in the world as it relates to culture, the Bible, worldviews, and human flourishing.

PHI 363: Reality

This course is a study of the basic questions regarding reality as they have developed within Western philosophy.

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Matt Leonard, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Office Phone: 951-552-8991
E-mail: mleonard@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Business Building, 245

Tim Mosteller, Ph.D.

Professor of Philosophy

Office Phone: 951-343-4770
E-mail: tmostell@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: BUSB 243

Sam Welbaum, PhD

Associate Professor of Christian Ministries
Director of the Honors Program

Office Phone: 951-552-8410
E-mail: swelbaum@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: YGR 210

Stephen

Philosophy has allowed me to ... be able to listen to people and pick out key ideas and underlying assumptions in our conversations. I have been prepared by CBU to be a person who is able to engage with others well.

Stephen Pan '16

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Jonmarc Bennett

I was highly interested in this field because, to me, knowing truth and living a virtuous life are essential to living a meaningful and right life. The professors in this program have always been willing to listen and work with me in my endeavors. I have learned to think in a wiser way.

Jonmarc Bennett '19

Emily Stewart

I chose to major in philosophy because studying the framework of humanity seemed interesting to me. I like that this program has a small community of people really invested in this field.

Emily Stewart '20

Career Possibilities

Graduates of CBU's philosophy program will learn skills that can be transferred to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Lawyer
  • Politician
  • Writer
  • University Professor
  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Researcher

Related Programs

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Next Steps

Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.