The study of Philosophy develops our ability to make sense of our lives, our surroundings, and ourselves by immersing us in the most basic and exciting questions that human beings confront:

- What things are really important?

- What sort of society should we have?

- What is the difference between right and wrong?

- What is the difference between sound judgements and foolish opinions?

- What is the purpose of human life?

- What things are most real?

Different schools of thought in economics, history, psychology, and education are based on differences in philosophy. Political and religious beliefs and codes of ethic are largely determined by our basic philosophical assumptions, of which we are often unaware. Given the same data, we reach different conclusions on issues such as civil disobedience, abortion, and conscription .  Philosophy majors examine and question basic assumptions, how they originate, how they determine beliefs and behavior, and how they change.

Philosophy also helps students examine their own beliefs, resolve conflicts, find a purpose or direction to life, develop a basis for ethical decisions, a defensible position on major issues, and a consistent personal philosophy. Undergraduate philosophy courses are meant to be preparation for life rather than a specific type of work, and provides an excellent background for a career in:

Law & Criminal Justice Personnel

Teaching Diplomacy

Publishing Social Work

Journalism Computer Science

Marketing Government Service

Advertising Religious Ministry

Communications The Arts

A major in philosophy, or a strong background in philosophy, can help develop character and personal skills which are extremely important in most job situations. The ability to think clearly, analyze, write, present arguments rationally, and understand different points of view are assets both on the job and off. Employers in business, industry and government, when measuring writing skills, place a great deal of importance on the ability of a college graduate to organize ideas and to state and defend a position in writing.

The marketable skills of Philosophy majors include:

- Seeing issues from more than one point of view.

 Taking differences of viewpoint into consideration when dealing with people.

- Applying a broad general knowledge to the solution of problems.

- Listening carefully and critically, observing small details and differences in meaning.

-Recognizing errors in logic.

- Thinking independently, making up own mind, reaching conclusions.

- Presenting ideas in an orderly manner, precisely and coherently, both orally and in writing.

- Reshaping ideas in the light of new circumstances.

- Helping people establish ethical principles, priorities, or goals in keeping with their beliefs.

- Asking creative questions to stimulate discussion.

- Reducing sophisticated language to comprehensible terms.

- Using different types of argument and proof to influence the behavior of others.

Rep. Public Relations Representative

Editorial Assistant Sales Representative

Employment Interviewer Systems Analyst

Financial Consultant Technical Writer

To increase employment prospects, it is recommended that the Philosophy major seek part-time or summer job experiences while still a student, and select an occupationally-related minor which might include computer science, finance, business administration, communications, marketing, and foreign language.