Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of the most basic moral, legal, aesthetic, religious, and metaphysical ideas by which we understand ourselves and our universe. It is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for understanding, a study of principles of conduct. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments.
The flexible curriculum in philosophy provides knowledge in both ancient and modern philosophy. Additionally, students in any major may minor in the history of philosophy or ethics.
Interests
Dedication to developing intellectual capabilities such as the ability to reason clearly, to distinguish between good and bad arguments, to think through complicated questions, and to use reason in situations that are often governed by emotions. Interest in deepening one's sense of the meaning and varieties of the human experience to enhance self-knowledge, foresight, and a sense of direction in life
Competencies
- Critical analysis
Problem-solving
Organization
Interpretation
Decision-making
Articulation
Persuasion
Logical reasoning
Mediation
Diagnosis
Conflict resolution
Value identification
Observation
Evaluation
Argumentation
Communication
Interviewing
Listening critically
Journalistic writing
Interpersonal relations
Debate
Grant proposal development
Advertising
Public relations
Opportunities - Careers
- Business/Industry
- Consultant
Research and development specialist
Industrial relations representative
Consumer relations representative
Underwriter/adjusting claims
Promotion coordinator
Film producer
Real estate manager
Computer programmer - Human Services
- Social worker
Program coordinator
Community developer
Philanthropic organizer - Education
- Teacher/college/high school
Higher education administrator - Communications
- Observation
Evaluation
Argumentation
Communication
Interviewing
Listening critically
Journalistic writing
Interpersonal relations
Debate
Grant proposal development
Advertising
Public relations - Research & Development
- Research analyst
- Government
- Public policy analyst
Public administrator
Intelligence officer
Foreign service agent
Legislator
Foreign diplomacy representative
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Philosophy is an excellent preparation for graduate work in law, medicine, business and other professional schools. Students may also work toward a graduate degree in philosophy.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer, part time, or volunteer work in human services, businesses, or governmental agencies, independent study with a faculty member, and involvement in student organizations such as the Philosophy Club (see Dr. McKenna for details), as well as other organizations pertinent to individual interest areas.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Philosophy (212 Hall Auditorium, 529-2440)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.