What can I do with a Major in....Philosophy?
A degree in Philosophy focuses on the study of the principles underlying conduct, thought and knowledge.
Before you begin to look at the different types of opportunities available to Philosophy majors, you must look at yourself and ask yourself a few basic questions:
What am I good at?
Understand your major strengths, skills and accomplishments. Some examples of skills and qualities employers look for are:
Flexibility
Reasoning
Analysis
Evaluation
Research
Thinking
Interpretation
Oral and written communication
What do I like to do?
Examine your interests. What kind of life style do I want to lead? Examine your values...is money what you're after, job security, challenging work?
If you are having trouble answering these questions, you are not alone. Make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center. We want to help you!
POSITIONS
Once you know yourself, you are ready to decide where and how you want to apply this knowledge.
A bachelor's degree in Philosophy and the appropriate skills and/or experience can lead to positions as a:
Management trainee
Personnel assistant
Administrator
Curator
Insurance agent
Proofreader
High school teacher
Training instructor
Research assistant
Public relations representative
Experience in the field or an advanced degree could lead to certain positions as:
College/University teachers
Editors
Lawyers
Diplomats
Librarians
Social workers
Doctors
Institutional researchers
For information on graduate schools, consult Peterson's.
EMPLOYMENT
Typical places of employment are:
Government agencies
Publishing companies
Libraries
Church/Religious organizations
Magazines/Newspapers
Radio/Television stations
Research institutes
Corporations
Non-Profit organizations
Colleges, schools
Insurance companies
Bookstores
Museums
Public relations firms
Social service agencies
LEARN MORE
To help you decide which area to pursue you must do in-depth research into each area of specialization and/or industry you have an interest in.
St. John's University Department of Philosophy
Philosophy Career and Job Resources on the Internet
Places to begin:
Join the Career Centers COACH Program
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Talk to people in the field, talk to your professors, write to and/or join one of the following associations:
American Philosophical Association University of Delaware Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831 - 1112 www.udel.edu/apa
North American Society for Social Philosophy (NASSP) PO Box 2009, Highlands, NC 28741 (704) 737 - 1710
Philosophy of Science Association Michigan State University 503 S. Kedzie Hall E. Lansing, MI 48824
New York State Center for Philosophy and Communication, One Steuben Place Albany, NY 12207-2110
American Catholic Philosophical Association, Catholic University of America, Administration Bldg., Room 403 620 Michigan Ave., NE Washington, DC 20064 (202) 319 - 5518
For additional lists of Associations consult the Encyclopedia of Associations.