What can I do with a major in philosophy?

Search for opportunities

Companies:
New York State Assembly
Analytic Recruiting, Inc.
Liazon

Titles:
Entrepreneur
Creative Arts Director
Director of Government Affairs

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY (Classical Studies): 2,474
Employers in US (Classical Studies): 29,933

Employers in NY (Public Policy): 5,075
Employers in US (Public Policy): 85,339

Employers in NY (Legal Services): 27,295
Employers in US (Legal Services): 351,933

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Social/Community Services
Areas

Research
Fundraising
Counseling
Volunteer Coordination
Grant Writing
Administration

Employers

Nonprofit organizations
Social service organizations
Public interest research groups
Museums
Mental health agencies

Sample occupations

Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Gain related work experience.
Volunteer in relevant organizations.
Obtain a master's degree in social work or counseling as well as applicable state licensure for therapy positions.
Become familiar with grant writing techniques.

Religion/Ministry
Areas

Clergy
Administration
Missions

Employers

Local churches or synagogues
District, regional, national, and world denominational headquarters
Religiously affiliated schools, colleges, and universities
Local, national, and international mission fields
Religious organizations

Sample occupations

Obtain appropriate seminary training for clergy positions.
Become certified through a denomination for specialized staff positions.
Gain related experience through volunteering with local churches or religious organizations.
Develop applicable foreign language skills for international mission work.
Seek leadership positions in campus religious organizations.
Complete an internship or summer positions with a religious camp or missionary organization.

Education
Areas

Teaching
Research
Administration
Student Affairs

Employers

Colleges and universities
Adult education programs
Vocational-technical educational programs
Professional or graduate schools including medical

Sample occupations

Obtain a doctorate degree for opportunities in teaching and/or research.
Develop one or more concentrations, such as mathematics, medical or business ethics, science, or religion.
Gain related experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time employment.
Earn a master's degree in a specialized area (e.g., Library/Information Science, College Student Personnel, or Counseling).
Seek campus leadership positions such as peer mentor or resident assistant.

Government
Areas

Public Policy
Research
Regional Planning
City Management
Intelligence
Foreign Service
Law Enforcement
Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services
Program Administration
Elected or Appointed Leadership
Campaign Management
Staff Administration
Special Interest Advocacy

Employers

Federal, state, and local government
Commission on Civil Rights
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Energy
Federal Communications Commission
Foreign Service
Federal Municipal Archives
National and State Endowments for the Humanities
Legislative, executive, or judicial officials
Political action committees
Special interest groups
Political parties
Campaigns (national, state, or local)

Sample occupations

Become familiar with federal, state, and local job application processes.
Supplement curriculum with courses in political science, public administration, or business.
Complete an internship in government or related area.
Serve in Model United Nations.
Become involved in student government.
Participate in cultural groups and organizations.
Write for campus publications focused on national and international affairs.
Develop skills in computers, statistics, and data analysis.
Acquire foreign language competency and travel experience for international positions.
Earn a graduate degree in political science or public administration for advancement.
Volunteer with the staff of a government official.
Participate in local or national campaigns.

Ethics
Areas

Medical
Environmental
Research

Employers

Hospitals
Medical and professional schools
Colleges and universities
Consulting services
Research organizations
Health science funding agencies
Environmental agencies

Sample occupations

Obtain a Ph.D. for most positions.
Participate in related professional organizations.
Join debate groups.
Develop excellent research skills.
Hone verbal and written communication skills.

Law
Areas
Employers

Law firms
Corporations
Federal, state, and local government
Private practice
Special interest groups
Universities

Sample occupations

Obtain law degree.
Develop excellent research and writing skills.
Participate in debate or mock trial.
Maintain a high grade point average.
Gain experience through part-time employment or internships in legal settings.

Writing
Areas

Editing
Technical Writing
Journalism
Advertising
Public Relations

Employers

Publishing companies
Magazine and newspaper companies
Professional and trade associations
Advertising agencies and departments
Electronic media organizations

Sample occupations

Serve on college newspaper staff.
Develop excellent writing and desktop publishing skills.
Take courses in journalism, advertising, public relations, or English.
Gain related experience.
Become a student member of a related professional group.

Business
Areas

Management
Sales
Human Resources
Market Research
Finance
Insurance

Employers

Business firms
Insurance companies
Banks
Retail stores
Marketing research departments or organizations
Real estate companies

Sample occupations

Minor in business.
Gain related experience through internships or part-time jobs.
Obtain leadership role(s) in campus organization(s).
Develop computer skills in word processing, database management, and spreadsheet programs.

General information and strategies

  • Philosophy students develop many transferable skills that can be utilized in a variety of careers and jobs, demonstrating the flexibility and capacity for growth that employers find valuable. These skills include analytical, organizational, research, as well as oral and written communication skills.
  • Other related skills that are attractive to employers are idea generation, problem formulation and problem solving, diverse data integration, adaptation to change, the ability to elicit hidden assumptions, persuasion, and summarization of complicated material.
  • An undergraduate degree qualifies one for entry-level positions in business, nonprofit organizations, and government.
  • Graduate and/or professional studies usually lead to careers in law, medicine, ministry, finance, psychology, counseling, diplomacy, ethics, and related areas.
  • A Ph.D. is required for college/university teaching and research.
  • Concentrations with other areas can include mathematics, religion, science, history, women's studies, eastern philosophy, and medical or business ethics.
  • Develop aptitudes for analytical thinking, logic, and statistics in order to apply philosophy to a broad range of professions such as law, government, finance, management, consulting, and related areas.
  • Seek related summer or part-time work experience or internship(s) in related areas of interest.
  • Take computer courses to increase employment opportunities.
  • Join debate groups.