The University of San Diego Philosophy Department records include meeting minutes, transcripts of meetings, memoranda, correspondence, and news releases documenting the establishment, growth, and activities of the department. These records document discussions about curriculum, general education requirements, student outlook, and faculty standing. The bulk of these records cover the 1970s and include discussions surrounding the merging of the College for Women and College for Men as well as the changing scope of the Philosophy Department.

The College for Women and College for Men had separate Philosophy Departments until the two colleges were set to merge. The merge proved challenging largely because of the difference in teaching philosophies between College for Men Philosophy Department chairman, Father William Shipley, and the College for Women Philosophy Department chairman, Dr. Richard George. Dr. George believed student should be taught only the perennial philosophy of Aristotle and Aquinas. Father Shipley felt the program should have a historical survey of philosophers and allow students to learn diverse philosophical systems. Shipley was ultimately voted in as the chairman of the newly merged philosophy department in April 1970. While discussion of the role of the Philosophy department continued, Shipley's view were more readily incorporated.

These records are open for research.