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Philosophy

What can I do with a major in

Philosophy

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and a  BGS in Philosophy. The critical aspect of philosophy involves posing difficult and probing questions about various truth claims. The constructive aspect of philosophy involves developing an accurate and productive picture of reality. The hope of philosophy is to understand ourselves, our world, our values, and the entirety of existence around us.

Philosophy Department Website

Philosophy majors develop the following skills: 

Abstract thinking: can deal with abstract concepts and theories; distinguish between subtle differences without overlooking similarities

Analytical Thinking: Analyzing and critically evaluating argumentative discourse; integrate diverse data and construct useful analogies

Clarity of Expression: Expressing thoughts clearly - written and orally; articulating abstract concepts and theories; debating; presents ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments; eliminates ambiguities and vagueness in communication; explains difficult material; persuade people to take unfamiliar views or novel options seriously; formulate and defend policies on a wide range of important issues in business, education, social legislation, and other areas

Problem-solving: Linking specific issues to broad concepts; defining problems; weighing alternatives; identifying solutions; evaluating results; investigating alternatives; applying logic to problems; generate ideas on many different sorts of problems and solve them; elicit hidden assumptions and articulate overlooked alternatives

Reasoning: Reading critically; logical reasoning; synthesizing ideas; stress objectivity

Depending on your desired career path, additional skills may need to be developed.  Make an appointment with a career consultant to design your individual career development plan.


Build skills Beyond the Classroom

  • Join related clubs, professional associations, activities, and organizations
  • Read professional journals in the field
  • Find volunteer work in a related area
  • Find part-time employment in a similar area
  • Job shadow someone working in the field
  • Conduct an informational interview with someone working in this area of interest
  • Obtain an internship
  • Work with a mentor or alum.  Contact the Hawk to Hawk program at the KU Alumni Center.

Internship Websites

 

Employment Websites


Career Planning and Resources


Professional Associations

Sample Careers for Philosophy Majors 

Business

Skills in communication, find and organize information, critical analysis and problem solving make Philosophy majors well suited for:

Career Options
Actuary
Artificial Intelligence/Expert Systems Designer
Bookstore Manager
Consultant
Fundraiser
Labor Relations Specialist
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Mediation/Labor Relations Manager or Specialist
Technical Writer

Potential Employers
Business and Consulting firms
Insurance Companies
Law Firms
Nonprofit Organizations
Professional Organizations

Education

Skills in research and communication make Philosophy majors well suited for:

Career Options
Administrative Staff
Adult Basic Ed Teachers
Campus Minister
College Professor/Administrator
Community Development Liaison
Educational Researcher
Librarian
Library Scientist

Potential Employers
Colleges/Universities
Prisons
Professional Organizations
Public/Private Schools

Radio/Television/Film/Journalism

Skills in communication and decision making make Philosophy majors well suited for:

Career Options
Author/Writer
Editor
Film Researcher/Copywriter
Investigative Reporter
Proofreader
Publications Researcher
Publisher
Radio/Television Researcher
Research Assistant

Potential Employers
Publishers
Radio/Film/Television Industry
University/Commercial Presses
 

Nonprofit/Social Service

Philosophy majors' skills in analyzing meanings and human experiences make Philosophy majors well suited for:

Career Options
Community Organizer
Contract Administrator 
Fundraiser
Grants Administrator
Historian/Historical Researcher
Lobbyist/Lobbying
Mediator
Missionary
Peace Corps Volunteer
Program Director
Researcher
Social Scientist
Volunteer Coordinator
Youth Leader

Potential Employers
Associations/Organizations
Civic Groups
Commission on Civil Rights
Government
Lobbying Firms
Local Housing Authority
Mental Health Agencies
Nonprofit Organizations
Private Interest Groups
Professional Organizations
Religious Organizations
Social Service Agencies

Government/Law

Skills in reasoning make Philosophy  majors well suited for:

Career Options
Affirmative Action Officer
City Manager
Congressional Positions
Consumer Protection Advocate
Contract Administrator
FBI/CIA Agent
Federal Agencies
Foreign Service
Human Rights Advocate
Immigration & Naturalization Officer
Intelligence Officer
Lawyer/Judge/Adjudicator/ Hearing Officer
Legal Researcher
Legislative Aide/Assistant
Mediator/Arbitrator
Museum Archivist/Curator/ Technician/Director
Policy Analyst
Special Interest Advocate
Speech Writer

Potential Employers
City, State, Federal Government/Agencies
Corporations
Law Firms
Lobbying Firms
Nonprofit Organizations
Political Parties
United Nations

 For information on these occupations


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University Career Center
The University of Kansas
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