Philosophy Degree Careers
Philosophy Degree Careers- Education
- Law
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Public Administration
While certain people think that a philosophy degree has limited value, it actually isn’t designed for a specific career path. Instead, it provides students with an enriched understanding of values, ideas, and the world. The skills that it takes to get a degree in philosophy are enough to satisfy most employers. Any job that requires candidates to summarize complicated material, formulate and defend ideas and apply abstract thinking tools are attainable with a degree in philosophy.
Education
A degree in philosophy will empower the student with the critical and conceptual thinking skills needed to teach classes in private high schools, community colleges, and private universities. A philosophy major is an academic credential needed to teach any number of humanities classes in private high schools. Those who want to teach at the postsecondary level will need a graduate degree that begins with an undergraduate philosophy major. Any teacher employed in a public educational organization will need to obtain and maintain their state’s teaching license.
Law
A degree in philosophy is an excellent academic choice for students who want to prepare for law school and careers as attorneys. Philosophy coursework endows students with the logical reasoning and conceptual analysis tools needed to prepare and deliver defenses. Philosophy students will be familiar with the complex ethical dilemmas and political traditions found within the legal system. Philosophy students who become lawyers will be able to choose from a variety of sub-fields, such as environmental, commercial, international, and intellectual property laws.
Publishing
The vast world of publishing employs many people with diverse backgrounds. A graduate with a degree in philosophy may find work as an editor who supervises copywriters and is responsible for the organization’s presses. Those who work as agents in educational publishing will either represent textbook writers and manage their contracts, or they may represent educational organizations and act as account managers. A desktop publisher will specialize in completing and troubleshooting formatting and typesetting projects. They will become very familiar with fonts, graphs, tables, and artwork depictions.
Journalism
Philosophy majors learn how to write well, concisely present ideas, critically analyze facts, and synthesize complex ideas and events. They will develop the research, ethical and conceptual skills needed to succeed in the field of journalism. Philosophy majors will have plenty of opportunities to become insightful and persuasive writers. Because of their degree, students will have a strong background in history, political science, and current events that will reinforce their portfolio. Philosophy majors who take media, communications, and computer science classes will acquire invaluable skills and training.
Public Administration
Concepts in political science and philosophy are intertwined, so philosophy graduates will be prepared to work key positions in local and state government agencies. A strong liberal arts degree is just what many agencies are seeking in order to revamp and reform their departments. They may also find employment in private think tanks, policy research institutions, and lobby organizations located in Washington, D.C. While studying philosophy, these students should consider taking classes on public policy, international affairs, and government administration.
There are also career opportunities for graduates with a philosophy degree in management consulting, professional art, and non-profit administration.
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