Philosophy

Intrigued by questions of justice, truth, freedom, or power? Interested in how these questions play out in race and gender differences, in colonial structures, and in our relation to animals and the environment? Do you wonder about the role of art and beauty in shaping how we approach the world and other people? Are you concerned about the ethical and political implications of recent developments in data, technology and the biomedical sciences? Are you interested in the nature of reality and the possibilities and limits of human knowledge? 

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Oregon is a leading pluralistic program for those seeking to engage with multiple philosophical perspectives in conversation with the history of philosophy. In undergraduate study in philosophy, we encourage our students to become engaged, reflective citizens, and lifelong learners while preparing them for careers in government, law, the non-profit sector, business, or higher education. Our graduate program produces first-rate scholars and teachers with a strong foundation in the history of philosophy, a well-rounded preparation in the diverse concerns of contemporary philosophy, and the skills to communicate effectively across different traditions and schools of thought.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Philosophy

Throughout our curriculum, we encourage students to become engaged, reflective citizens, and lifelong learners. Our alumni have launched successful careers in:

  • Business
  • Government
  • Higher education
  • Law
  • Nonprofit sector

Our Degree Programs

Our thriving undergraduate program includes a major and minor in philosophy, as well as a minor in ethics. We offer graduate programs leading to both master of arts and doctoral degrees.

Diana Libuda looks at a glass dish

Learn from Experts in the Field

Go deep with faculty who have strengths in a range of traditions and fields of focus. Students can work with specialists in ethics, environmental philosophy, feminist philosophy, and the philosophy of race, among others.

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology students on a beach during a field trip.

Get Real-world Experience

Immerse yourself in another culture, develop vital job skills, or conduct original research on a topic that sparks your interest. Read original texts in the places they were written. We facilitate internships and study abroad opportunities, as well as exchange programs in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Europe.

Scholarships and Funding

Students in the Philosophy department can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships both to incoming students and to those already attending the UO. Graduate students may receive funding through graduate employment.

Undergraduate Scholarships  
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Philosophy students can seek support from advisors in Tykeson Hall for help understanding their major or minor requirements, planning their course of study, exploring study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising  
Support for Graduate Students

Philosophy News and Events

Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.
HUMANITIES, NATURAL SCIENCES — These four graduating seniors may have all graduated with different degrees, but they all chose their majors based on their explorations of the liberal arts.
PHILOSOPHY - Getting research published is a necessary step for academics. But faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences aim to do more. Among the faculty who presented at the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation's Week of Research and Innovation were Ramón Alvarado, an associate professor whose expertise is on AI and ethics and Sarah Wald, associate professor who focuses on environmental justice in Asian American and Latinx literature and culture in the 20th and 21st century.

 

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High School Cybersecurity Pathways Conference

Nov

2

High School Cybersecurity Pathways Conference

Nov 2 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Future Frequencies: Making Environmental Humanities Audible Through Podcasting and Public Audio Storytelling

Nov

2

Future Frequencies: Making Environmental Humanities Audible Through Podcasting and Public Audio Storytelling

Nov 2 Knight Library
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Nov

3

Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Nov 3 Villard Hall
Global Opportunities Fair

Nov

3

Global Opportunities Fair

Nov 3 Lillis Business Complex
History Dept. Seminar: "A Paper World: Urbano Monte's Global Perspective ca. 1587"

Nov

3

History Dept. Seminar: "A Paper World: Urbano Monte's Global Perspective ca. 1587"

Nov 3 McKenzie Hall
Boren Scholarship Workshop

Nov

3

Boren Scholarship Workshop

Nov 3 Anstett Hall
Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Fascist Climates: Tracking Weather in Colonial East Africa"

Nov

3

Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Fascist Climates: Tracking Weather in Colonial East Africa"

Nov 3 Gerlinger Hall
The Landscape of Muslim Philanthropy: An Academic Review of Giving Patterns in the US

Nov

3

The Landscape of Muslim Philanthropy: An Academic Review of Giving Patterns in the US

Nov 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Government Partnerships and Financing for Sanitation and the Human Right to WASH

Nov

4

Government Partnerships and Financing for Sanitation and the Human Right to WASH

Nov 4 Lawrence Hall
History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov

5

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Nov 5 McKenzie Hall

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