"What Can I Do with a Philosophy Degree?"

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(Thanks to the University of Arizona for the Following)

(The following is also very helpful: http://www.louisiana.edu/Academic/LiberalArts/PHIL/WhyStudyPhilosophy.html)

Quite a lot! Students who major in Philosophy have more options--and more attractive options--than people often realize. There are many fields of advanced study and many types of careers for which Philosophy provides excellent preparation. This is because Philosophy majors develop valuable skills that help them to excel in just about any field that requires serious, careful, analytical thought.

What skills does studying Philosophy develop? Think about what you do in your Philosophy classes: you read challenging, you discuss it, you process it, you assess it, and you write about it. Here are just a few of the ways that your study of Philosophy prepares you for professional life:

Philosophers develop excellent writing and analytical skills, and prize communication skills.
Everyone values "critical thinking," but philosophers make it their stock in trade.
Philosophers learn how to think independently and to conduct independent research.
Philosophers are used to working with conceptually difficult ideas and materials.
Philosophers learn how to spot problems and propose solutions.
Philosophers know how to give and receive constructive criticism.

How are philosophical skills valuable outside Philosophy? Philosophical skills are valuable in every area that requires any careful thought. If you develop solid philosophical skills,then...

You will be able to communicate effectively, in both the spoken and written word.
You will be experienced at researching, detecting, and solving problems.
You will be able to assimilate and evaluate difficult and complex information.
You will be especially good at seeing the "big picture."
You will be adept at seeing logical relations and finding correct solutions.
You will do especially well on standardized analytical tests.
It will be easier to teach you a specific field, than to teach someone else who knows that field how to think analytically.

Where can I use philosophical skills outside Philosophy? Philosophical skills are crucial both in advanced academic work and in the professions. Here are just a few areas:

Academic:	Professional:
Social Sciences and Humanities, like Political Science, History, Classics, Psychology, etc. Law school Medical school Computing,mathematics Religion, theology Business Physical sciences	Business Technical writing Government, public policy Computer programming, project leadership Consulting Teaching, education Social activism

Who hires people with Philosophy degrees? The following kinds of businesses have welcomed Philosophy students on recent campus visits: insurance (life, health, business, etc.), finance, credit, investment, computing, communications, retailers, manufacturers, and others.

(For more information, contact Richard Keshen at 563-1303

Any other advice? Yes--note a few things.

To be successful in Philosophy, you must study it for its own sake. The question "What can I do with a Philosophy degree?" is very different from the question "Why should I study Philosophy?" The answer to the first question directs you to the professions or graduate education. The answer to the second question refers to the intrinsic value of philosophy. A degree in Philosophy is a sign that you have invested wisely in yourself by gaining a solid education and cultivating a love of learning. You have to approach your study of Philosophy in that spirit if you hope to reap its rewards.

To put your degree to work for you after graduation, you have to start planning your overall college experience now. Philosophy will give you rare and valuable skills, but if you want to put these skills to work in a field, then you should start preparing yourself to enter that field. You can do this by carefully choosing your general education coursework, your minor or second major, your jobs or internships while in college, and so on. Think now about your long-term goals, and choose your activities in and out of school to help you reach those goals.

Links to helpful sites

Philosophical skills & career preparation for Philosophy students:

www.muohio.edu/~phlcwis/jobs.html

www.muohio.edu/~phlcwis/uses.html

www-phil.tamu.edu/Philosophy/Undergrad/why_major.html

phil-www.tamu.edu/Undergrad/what_philosophers_do.html

www.uindy.edu/~prel/nyt.htm

www.wlu.ca/~wwwphil/studyphl/leoinv5.htm

www.philosophy.ilstu.edu/whatcani.htm

www.virginia.edu/~philos/undoverview.html

www.phil.unt.edu/philtalk.htm

www.csus.edu/phil/whyphil.htm