The B.Phil.’s earliest incarnation was as a University of Oxford predoctoral graduate degree. The contemporary Oxford B.Phil. is a two-year graduate program consisting of three taught courses and a research thesis, preparing the graduate for either teaching at the university level or providing a foundation for doctoral work. The B.Phil. program is regarded as a very demanding degree not suitable for those without an academic background in philosophy. In keeping with the heritage of this degree, students in the Holy Spirit College B.Phil. program have the opportunity to complete a summer program of study at Oxford University.

At universities in the United States the term "Bachelor of Philosophy" typically refers to an undergraduate bachelor's degree which is research-based or involves a considerable proportion of independent study. The Bachelor of Philosophy degree offered by Holy Spirit College is an undergraduate degree requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours. This B.Phil. provides a rigorous academic program particularly suited to students planning to pursue graduate studies.