Philosophy strengthens the ability to reason and enlarges the imagination. A philosophical education offers excellent preparation for a broad range of careers that require critical intelligence and creative problem-solving, as well as oral and written communication skills.
In addition to advising within the Department of Philosophy, students have access to campus resources to help them prepare for careers, find internship opportunities, and apply for jobs.
Alumni Careers
Our graduates have used their training to find success in careers across a number of fields. Below is a sampling of areas where our alumni have excelled:
- Academia
- Advocacy
- Business
- Education
- Health care
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Media
- Nonprofit work
- Science
The Value of a Philosophy Major
Many research studies and articles in the national press have touted the value of a philosophy major for career success, preparation for graduate and law school, and personal development. Here are a few examples:
“Philosophy Majors Make More Money Than Majors in any other Humanities Field”
DailyNous, January 3, 2019
“Mark Cuban says studying philosophy may soon be worth more than computer science—here’s why”
CNBC, February 21, 2018
“Robert E. Rubin: Philosophy Prepared Me for a Career in Finance and Government”
New York Times, April 30, 2018
“For philosophy majors, the question after graduation is: What next?”
Washington Post, June 20, 2017
“Is a Philosophy Degree Useful?”
Psychology Today, May 4, 2016
“Best Majors for GRE Scores in 2013: Philosophy Dominates”
Physics Central, July 29, 2013
“5 Reasons Why Philosophy Majors Make Great Entrepreneurs”
Entrepreneur, July 5, 2017
“Philosophers Don’t Get Much Respect, But Their Earnings Don’t Suck”
FiveThirtyEight, November 11, 2015
“The Earning Power of Philosophy Majors”
The Atlantic, September 3, 2015
“I work therefore I am: why businesses are hiring philosophers”
The Guardian, March 29, 2018
“A philosophy degree earns more than an accounting degree”
Yahoo Finance, January 30, 2015
Guides to undergraduate study in philosophy:
- Pluralist’s Guide: A Philosopher’s Guide to Graduate Programs
- American Philosophical Association: Resources for Undergraduates
Statistical data showing the success of philosophy majors on the GRE and LSAT:
Why Major in Philosophy?
Where can studying philosophy take you? Read about examples of career paths and actual alumni jobs.