Bachelor in Philosophy (Bachelor's)

Tuition fees are 62,850 USD per year.

The Philosophy program at Occidental College teaches students to think critically, question assumptions, and understand how ideas shape the world. Students study ethics, logic, and global philosophical traditions, developing strong writing and reasoning skills through close reading, debates, and research. The program emphasizes experiential learning, offering opportunities like an Ethics Bowl course and Philosophy Through Baking, alongside faculty-mentored research and interdisciplinary study.

Focus areas include Ethics, Logic, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Race, Global Philosophical Traditions.

Graduates enter careers in law, medicine, education, journalism, business, public policy, government, technology, and research, or pursue advanced degrees.

For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 40% of applicants.

Academic exploration at Occidental spans more than 40 majors and programs, supported by faculty who serve as scholars, teachers and mentors. Learning extends beyond the classroom through internships, community partnerships and hands-on research in Los Angeles and Southern California. Students can also take part in the Kahane UN Program, which offers direct participation in the work of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Occidental’s campus sits on 120 acres in Eagle Rock, a Los Angeles community within miles of downtown. Planned in 1911 by California architect Myron Hunt, it combines Spanish Colonial-style halls and preserved historic buildings with science facilities. The Academic Quad, between the Academic Commons and Johnson Student Center, serves as a central place for study, conversation, club activities, performances and art installations.

Students live and learn on a residential campus with residence halls, dining, student activities, athletic facilities and the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs. Los Angeles is part of the academic setting, with classes, internships and research using the city and region as an extended learning environment. International and dual citizen students make up 15% of the Oxy community. Occidental meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, and the 2027 application has no fee, with Early Action available by November 1. Support resources help students succeed during their college years.