Philosophy & Religious StudiesCareer Exploration
Jumpstart Your Career
Contrary to what friends, family, and society may tell you, a degree in the humanities, especially in philosophy, is a valuable tool in building a fulfilling and gainful career. The coursework that you complete as a Philosophy/Religious Studies major/minor equips you with extremely marketable skills, such as critical thinking, excellent verbal and written communication, and problem-solving. Employers in many fields are eager to employ people proficient in these "soft" skills.
Not only will the skills you gain as a Philosophy/Religious Studies student help you to get a job, but they can also lead you to a more lucrative career in the long term. Of those who major in the humanities, Philosophy Majors have the highest starting salary on average. Additionally, salaries of Philosophy Majors tend to increase more over a ten year period than most other majors including Business or Accounting.
What can I do with this Major/Minor?
- Campaign Manager
- Consultant
- Diplomat
- Editor
- Grant Writer
- Lawyer
- Law Clerk
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Research Analyst
- Journalist
- Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Minister, Chaplain
- Policy Analyst
- Public Policy Manager
- Professor
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Writer
- And MUCH more!
Skills you acquire with this Major
Philosophy majors develop great skills that are applicable to a wide variety of careers, including:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Analytical and reasoning skills
- Ability to formulate clear and persuasive messages
- Listening, clarifying, questioning and responding skills
- Creative problem-solving
Enhance Your Resume
While your coursework will certainly help you to develop the necessary skills for landing a job, it is important to remember the value of gaining real-world experience using those skills. Conferences, clubs, and summer programs are all stellar ways to enhance your resume and make you more attractive to employers. See our Student Opportunities page to learn more about opportunities in Philosophy.
Student Opportunities
Graduate School
Whether you plan to attend Law School, Business School or earn an advanced degree in Philosophy, Religious Studies, or another discipline, philosophy majors dominate when it comes to graduate school entrance tests and admission. For more information about graduate school options, visit Career Development Services or schedule an Advising Appointment.
