Philosophy Major: Courses & Careers

A philosophy major explores existential questions while building critical thinking and analysis skills that effectively prepare for advanced education, attending law school, and seeking fulfilling career paths.

Keep reading to learn about earning a degree in philosophy, examples of course topics, and the potential for success when enrolling in this field of study.

What Is a Philosophy Degree?

According to the American Philosophical Association, philosophy can have different meanings, even to various philosophers.

The study of philosophy explores fundamental questions about who we are and the meaning of life, seeking a comprehensive understanding of the world and its principles.

Students examine the history of philosophy and current ideas in modern philosophy, including existentialism and the philosophy of mind, while contemplating the value of human existence.

The types of philosophy degrees include:

• associate degree in philosophy
• bachelor's degree in philosophy
• master's degree in philosophy
• doctoral degree in philosophy

Several universities nationwide offer accredited programs in philosophy with the accessibility and convenience of online education for busy adult learners and working professionals.

What Will I Learn in a Philosophy Program?

A bachelor's degree in philosophy program includes coursework in critical thought and electives that connect philosophy and various other fields of study.

You will learn to develop significant critical thinking skills and use logic and reason while questioning conventional wisdom.

Philosophy courses provide instruction in the following areas:

• epistemology: the study of the nature and theory of knowledge
• philosophy of science: examining the methods of science
• value theory: ethics in philosophy
• philosophy of language: the study of the nature and concepts of languages

Featured Schools Offering Online Philosophy Degrees

Here are a few examples of accredited universities that offer online philosophy degrees.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a high-ranking institution that offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy with seminars that teach students to think critically while enhancing communication skills.

Its coursework covers the history of philosophy, ancient philosophy, and epistemology, preparing them for career paths as intelligence officers or business intelligence analysts.

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans provides a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy with the accessibility of distance education.

Its Department of Philosophy develops its online philosophy coursework identical to what is taught on campus, with discussions on topics including environmental ethics and political philosophy.

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

The University of North Carolina in Greensboro delivers a valuable liberal arts education through its online Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy that has a pre-law concentration.

This high-ranking philosophy degree includes subjects like philosophy of mind and ethical reasoning and puts students in positions to pursue graduate programs and to excel on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Is Philosophy a Hard Major?

Yes, philosophy is thought to be a hard major since it requires certain levels of intellect and curiosity, along with substantial amounts of reading and analysis, to grasp challenging theories and concepts.

The study of philosophy can be complex for many individuals, and those who pursue this field of study tend to have higher IQ scores than the average college student.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Philosophy Degree?

The critical thinking skills developed through a philosophy program give students the knowledge they need to succeed in many jobs.

A philosophy degree prepares individuals for pursuing law school and graduate school, as well as working in areas such as:

• public policy
• healthcare
• nonprofit sector

Philosophy graduates pursue various career paths, such as:

• business analysts
• marketing consultants
• lawyers
• politicians
• judge
• military police
• teachers
• psychologists
• political scientist
• political analysts

A combined or double major in philosophy and subject fields can be worth it for students with a deep interest in both areas, such as:

• political science
• economics
• business
• biology

Pursuing a double major in philosophy and economics, for instance, combines economic analysis with philosophical wisdom, preparing students for jobs as policy analysts or business consultants.

High-Paying Jobs for Philosophy Majors

Earning a philosophy degree puts students on the right path toward obtaining some of the highest-paying jobs in academia and the legal field.

College professors, lawyers, and political scientists can easily make upwards of six figures, and philosophy graduates can explore many additional fulfilling jobs.

These high-salary roles typically require advanced education through graduate programs, making it an ideal choice for the next step after obtaining an undergraduate degree.

Benefits of Earning a Philosophy Degree

Studying philosophy includes deep exploration of areas like free will and the idea of controlling your choices and making decisions without influence, which can be challenging. However, there are many benefits to earning a degree in the field.

Philosophy courses help develop important logic and ethical reasoning competencies, building upon practical abilities in critical thinking that are highly sought-after by employers in many top-ranking jobs.

A philosophy program teaches effective communication and problem-solving skills and enables students to analyze and understand complicated texts.

A degree in philosophy is beneficial for helping individuals think independently, encouraging them to consider issues from multiple perspectives, and setting them up for success in various settings.

FAQs About Earning a Philosophy Degree

The following explores some of the most common question about earning a philosophy degree.

Is a Philosophy Degree a Good Degree?

A philosophy degree is good for individuals looking to examine deep conversation subjects, including existential questions about the meaning of life.

Majoring in philosophy leads to acquiring skills and knowledge applicable to many high-earning jobs and rewarding career paths.

It is a good choice for those who want to go to law or graduate school and for professionals in areas such as:

• business
• public policy
• education

How Does a Philosophy Major Prepare You for Law School?

A philosophy major is a popular choice that greatly prepares students planning to attend law school.

This field of study is an ideal choice for its skills that students can transfer toward becoming lawyers, most notably acquiring expertise in analyzing, reading, and presenting summaries and arguments.

Some philosophy programs, such as the one described at the University of New Orleans, offer a pre-law concentration with coursework covering fundamental knowledge in the field of law, with a focus on:

• political philosophy
• epistemology
• philosophy of law

How Can a Philosophy Major Improve Critical Thinking Skills?

A philosophy major improves critical thinking skills by providing students with opportunities to enhance their analysis, assessment, and interpretation abilities to make informed decisions.

Studying philosophy helps students to think creatively and leverage problem-solving strategies for using logic and reason to analyze questions.

Critical thinking is foundational in philosophy, and students develop it immensely by questioning assumptions and creating clear and logical arguments that lead to knowledgeable conclusions.

Is a Philosophy Major Helpful if You Plan To Go to Graduate School?

A philosophy major is helpful if you plan on pursuing your academics and attending graduate school, as it provides a background for many fields of study, such as:

• criminal justice
• healthcare
• business management

It is widely known that individuals who are philosophy majors perform well on standardized tests for graduate school, such as the GRE, and entrance exams like the LSAT.

Getting a degree in philosophy is helpful for graduate students as it provides critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and other essential skills for success in many professions.

Begin Your Philosophy Degree Today

Start your accredited degree today as a philosophy major by reaching out to your chosen college for more information about their available programs and to find the best one for you.