Career Options

Philosophy can be good preparation for entering many fields including:

Law: Philosophy prepares you for the kinds of logical reasoning and conceptual analysis necessary to succeed in law school. And you will understand the ethical and political traditions which underlie our legal system.

Education: Philosophy and critical thinking are taught at virtually every public and private four-year college and research university in the country, as well as at some public and private high schools.

Journalism: Studying philosophy teaches you to write well, analyze facts critically, and conduct research. Courses in ethics, political philosophy, and the history of ideas expands your conceptual repertoire and provide essential background knowledge to be an informed journalists.

Publishing: Publishing employs many people with backgrounds in the humanities, including philosophy majors. These majors are usually seen as good preparation for work.

Politics and Public Policy: Like political science or government, a philosophy major is often excellent preparation for positions in state or national civil services, policy research institutions, jobs as congressional aides and researchers, and so on.

Public Relations: In addition to writing and analytic skills, philosophical studies help to develop one’s ability to convey complex ideas to audiences. An ability to help justify an institution's work, and to develop consistent policies on controversial issues, is also an important asset for PR work.

Business and Management: Many students with undergraduate majors or minors in philosophy go on to successful careers in business or management. Large firms often look for people who have an all-round liberal arts education—which trains their mind for analysis—excellent communication skills, and an understanding of people.

Art and Architecture: In aesthetics and in other areas, theories of meaning, culture, society, and philosophy have been a significant inspiration for innovation in art and architecture.