Career pathways and opportunities for Philosophy majors
Considering a degree in Philosophy? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as a Philosophy major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as a Philosophy student to maximize career opportunities.
- how to ask and engage with some of life’s most important and difficult questions, such as how we should live and what constitutes a good life, both for individuals and for the communities of which they are a part
- the history of ideas, and can use that to identify the deep structures within dominant social, cultural and political forms. They will be effective contributors to public policy as well as to social and political analysis
- how to analyze and interpret complex texts, explain complicated ideas in their own words, and express their views in clear, well-argued writing. They will be effective analysts who are adept at assessing and communicating complex information
- how to address hard problems and challenging issues, including some of the most pressing social, moral and political concerns that face us today. They will develop the intellectual tools to formulate their own responses to these issues, and will be used to negotiating disagreement and debate
- reason well and can evaluate the reasoning of others. They will be good at distinguishing between good and bad arguments and identifying attempts to manipulate opinion. This will equip them to contribute to public debate in an increasingly media-driven society
- Consider diverse viewpoints by studying how different thinkers have attempted to answer these questions
- Identify the structures embedded in dominant social, cultural and political forms
- Analyze and interpret complex texts
- Communicate complicated ideas in clear, well-argued writing.
- Formulate responses to pressing social, moral and political concerns
- Negotiate disagreement and debate in addressing complex issues and developing solutions
- Contribute effectively to public policy social and political analysis through a familiarity with the history of ideas
- Ethics (research, bioethics, medical/clinical, environmental, legal)
- Government/Politics
- Law
- Business (management, training and development)
- Social/Community Services (policy analysis, research, grant writing)
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Pursue research experience by working on faculty projects through independent study classes, as a student employee, or through other departmental programs. For example, the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy accepts undergraduates for assistance in research.
- Seek related internships or part-time work in area(s) of interest.
- Supplement your knowledge and experience in a specialty area (e.g., public health, environment, business administration).
- Enhance your competitiveness by learning to use various technologies and software packages such as databases, spreadsheets and presentations.
- Prepare for graduate study in certain fields like in political science or public administration by maintaining a high GPA and developing your network for strong recommendations.
- Join the Patriot Pre-Law Program if you hope to apply to law school.