Why Study Philosophy?

An undergraduate degree in philosophy can prepare a student for a variety of careers and walks of life. Skills gained in the philosophy major include the ability to:

• Ask good questions and expose underlying assumptions, biases, and concepts
• Work in a community to solve problems
• Write clearly, concisely, and precisely
• Persuasively defend an idea before an audience
• Design and conduct research
• Analyze documents, writing, and books, reading critically and carefully
• Trace and construct elaborate chains of evidence and argument
• See the larger issues and implications of a problem
• Think clearly and critically about the major topics of philosophy

Further Resources

• Philosophy: A Brief Guide for Undergraduates - American Philosophical Association's guide to the philosophy major
• What Do Philosophy Majors Do? - Careers for philosophy majors, along with comments from former philosophy majors from Texas A & M.
• Philosophers Find The Degree Pays Off In Life And Work - New York Times, December 26, 1997
• What Can You Do With A Philosophy Degree? - Detailed discussion of the professional skills philosophy provides and their value.
• What Philosophy Ph.D.s are doing - Statistics from the American Philosophical Association on job placement by philosophy Ph.Ds

Potential Careers for a Philosophy Major

Journalism, Consulting, Management, Investment, Creative Writing, Academic Teaching or Research, Law