Philosophy Degrees And Careers

Many students who pursue degrees in philosophy do so simply because it interests them, and they may wonder if there are any practical applications outside of academics. Philosophy doesn’t have to be confined to scholarly environments, and philosophy degrees can lead to a wide range of careers, both in and out of academic spheres. Philosophy coursework provides students with opportunities to gain fundamental skills, like critical thinking, logic and writing, that can translate to many fulfilling and lucrative careers. It’s an area of study that can prepare students to become assets in their professional fields, whatever they may be, and can provide an enhanced understanding of other disciplines, too.

Whether students choose to study philosophy exclusively or combine their studies with other academic pursuits, understanding the career and education options available to them and planning accordingly can be beneficial when it comes time to search for jobs. Learning about different types of philosophy degrees and the careers to which they may lead can help students plan early and ease into life after graduation.

Philosophy students that study general philosophy can expect to take courses that explore topics in both practical and theoretical philosophy. However, many degree programs offer a selection of concentrations, allowing students to focus their studies on a particular aspect of philosophy. Choosing a concentration can enhance other academic pursuits and for philosophy majors, open doors to a wider range of careers. Learning about different concentrations within philosophy can help students see the many practical applications of a philosophy degree and its potential careers. Concentrations vary by school, but common ones include philosophy of education, science, aesthetics, ethics and cognitive studies.

Philosophy degrees sharpen students’ practical, foundational skills and make them adaptable to a diverse range of careers. Inquiry, critical thinking, research and communication are core components of philosophical study that have direct applications in the work world. Because careers for philosophy majors can vary widely, it’s difficult to pinpoint exact paths through income brackets and degree levels. In general, philosophy students will see an increase in income as they earn more advanced degrees, but their chosen field and the experience they have in other disciplines can affect graduates’ career options and potential earnings.

Many great careers are available to those who exclusively hold bachelor’s degrees in philosophy. However, the additional experience that comes with a master’s or doctoral degree can open up more desirable, varied and lucrative positions, especially if students study another subject in addition to philosophy. The following tables illustrate an array of careers for different degree levels and their average salaries.

Bachelor’s degrees in philosophy challenge students to develop and hone a range of highly practical skills. Regardless of the concentration they choose, if any, philosophy students can expect opportunities to increase their proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, speaking, writing, research and organization through research projects, essays, class discussion and analysis of complex texts. These assets along with an inclination toward logic and inquiry can prepare philosophy majors for careers in academics, political science, social science, business and many other fields. Pairing their philosophy studies with coursework in their intended field can help graduates increase job opportunities, too.

Source: BLS, 2017 Median Yearly Salaries

Earning a master’s degree in philosophy can be an excellent opportunity for students to deepen their philosophical study and home in on a specific area of philosophy. Those with undergraduate backgrounds in different disciplines may find that a master’s degree in philosophy is a great way to gain practical skills and see their previous discipline through a new lens. A master’s degree in philosophy provides many of the same benefits as a bachelor’s degree, but the opportunity to gain a more focused or nuanced understanding of an area of study can give philosophy majors an edge when job hunting. Students seeking careers in law, higher education, management and research may consider pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy.

Source: BLS, 2017 Median Yearly Salaries; PayScale 1/2019

Those who are interested in teaching philosophy or conducting philosophy-driven research may find that a PhD in philosophy is the best route for them. Technically, all PhDs are philosophy degrees, so a PhD in any subject will give students the chance to explore philosophical inquiry, conduct research and sharpen their writing skills. However, a PhD in philosophy is intended to let students dive more deeply into philosophy itself and its specific branches. Often, the most significant part of a PhD in philosophy is writing a doctoral dissertation, which serves as a student’s first contribution to philosophical scholarship. PhD students may also have to help teach philosophy classes as part of their program. While generally directed toward students seeking academic and research-driven careers, a PhD in philosophy may also benefit those in the cognitive sciences.

Source: BLS, 2017 Median Yearly Salaries; PayScale 1/2019

Philosophy students may initially think that philosophy is a purely academic pursuit, but there exists a huge range of careers across many fields that philosophy majors can pursue. Philosophy degrees of all levels provide students with desirable skills that employers value but also have a hard time finding in their applicants. Because philosophy helps students develop their own thinking and analysis skills, philosophy majors can be extremely adaptable. Many industries and companies know they can teach necessary job skills to an employee, but to be adept at critical and creative thinking, organization, problem-solving, communication, identification and interpretation and looking at issues from multiple angles makes for a highly valuable employee. Graduates seeking nonacademic jobs with a philosophy major can look in just about any field, even those outside the liberal arts, like finance and technology. Below is a small sample of the types of nonacademic careers for philosophy majors.

Source: BLS, 2017 Median Yearly Salaries; PayScale 1/2019