What Can I Do With a Major In Philosophy?
UGA Specific Information for Philosophy
Philosophy is a major that seeks to understand the nature of human beings through analyzing, interpreting, and logically explaining what human beings believe, value, and do. As a division of the liberal arts, it involves the systematic study of the truths or principles underlying basic issues such as the nature of reality, knowledge, value, and obligation. Students of philosophy acquire skills of critical thinking, learn to discover and evaluate basic assumptions, are trained in accurate analysis of concepts and ideas, and can easily construct logical and reliable arguments, many businesses recognize the value of a philosophical education. What is more, they look favorably at an individual who quickly learns new things and think for him or herself and can be trained in the specifics of a job. With that said, a student majoring in philosophy can tailor his or her career for law, business, education, or a host of other professions.
Class of 2022 Career Outcomes for Philosophy*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
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Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations
SKILLS
The study of philosophy allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.
Critical Thinking
- Ability to analyze relationships
- Competency to identify and answer key questions
- Capacity to think and express oneself logically
Communication
- Ability to communicate persuasively
- Aptitude to speak articulately and listen objectively
Other
- Conduct and explain research
- Understanding of broad range of topics
- Awareness of and respect for various systems of thought
SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- Communications (e.g., The Washington Post, Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc)
- Consulting (e.g., Accenture, KPMG, IBM)
- Government (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Goddard Space Center, Department of Transportation)
- Nonprofit Organizations (e.g., The Genocide Prevention Center, The Red Cross, National Organization of Women)
- Political Action Committee (e.g., American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Human Rights Campaign)
- Research/Think Tanks (e.g., The Blackstone Group, Brookings)
TIPS
- Philosophy students develop many transferable skills that can be 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.
- Other skills emphasized in philosophy 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.
- It is important for philosophy students to identify potential career goals and seek out the experiences and education required to enter those fields.
- 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.
- Ph.D. is required for college/university teaching and research.
- Consider earning a minor or concentration in another discipline such as: mathematics, religion, science, business, political science, women’s studies, Eastern philosophy, sustainability or environmental studies.
- 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 internships in area(s) of interest.
- Join related student or professional organizations. Work toward leadership roles.
- Conduct informational interviews or shadow professionals in fields of interest.
- Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.
Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.
Supplemental Career Research Dashboard
Additional Career Research Resources
- My Next Move
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (type in general term for career of interest)
- Career Insider: Vault Guides
- Candid Career - View professionals speaking about their careers
- Idealist Careers - Helping You Find a Nonprofit Career
- Why Major in Philosophy?
- Philosophers Don’t Get Much Respect, But Their Earnings Don’t Suck
- The Earning Power of Philosophy Majors
- Philosophy Majors Make More Money Than Majors in any other Humanities Field
Employment Websites
General:
- GoinGlobal - International (to access, log in with your MyID and password)
- Idealist - Nonprofit
- USAJOBS - Federal
Major/Career Specific:
Professional Associations/Resources
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2022 Philosophy majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2022 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Employer | Position Title(s) |
---|---|
alliantgroup | Associate Consultant | Crossroads Campaign Solutions | Associate | Kobre & Kim | Analyst | Manhattan Associates | Software Consultant | PrideStaff | Recruiter | RangeWater Real Estate | Legal Assistant | Sage Net | Program Manager | Ski Butlers | Ski Technician | The Sahara Las Vegas | Table Games Dealer | University of Georgia | Student Services Associate II | US Department of Justice | Paralegal |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2022 Philosophy majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2022 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Graduate School | Program(s) |
---|---|
Capella University | Not Specified | Georgetown University | Law, JD | Georgia College & State University | Law, JD | Indiana University Bloomington | Law, JD | Mercer University | Medicine, MD | Ohio Northern University | Law, JD | University of Georgia | Artificial Intelligence, MS | University of Georgia | Artificial Intelligence, MS | University of Georgia | Philosophy, Not Specified | University of Georgia | Biology, Not Specified | University of Georgia | Public Administration and Policy, MPA | University of Georgia | Law, JD | University of Illinois at Chicago | Law, JD | University of Louisville | Secondary Education, MAT | University of San Diego | Law, JD |