Is Philosophy A Good Major? 2024 Guide

Studying philosophy provides students with the chance to explore important issues like reality, truth, and the purpose of life.

With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, you can build professional skill sets such as your ability to communicate and think critically.

This article provides all available and related information on philosophy so you can decide if philosophy is a good major for you.

What Is A Philosophy Major?

A philosophy major will force students to consider questions for which there are no satisfactory answers. 

Students majoring in philosophy will learn to think critically, analyze and evaluate arguments, and engage in moral and ethical reasoning as they become familiar with important thinkers and other worldviews. 

Students will study both historical and contemporary philosophy, and they will acquire the reading and analytical skills required to comprehend philosophical works from many eras.

Students majoring in philosophy will consider debates about the best ways to live, the existence of God, and the connection between the mind and body throughout their coursework. 

They will also understand the foundations of mathematical logic and the characteristics of a strong deductive argument. 

Students majoring in philosophy frequently collaborate with teachers at their schools as part of a senior thesis, to research subjects they find particularly interesting. 

In undergraduate research journals, students might hunt for possible topics to publish in their papers.

Is Philosophy A Good Major?

Lots of undergraduate students love studying philosophy, and that’s why they choose philosophy as their major. 

Because by majoring in philosophy, you can develop rigorous analytical thinking, critical thinking, and written communication abilities. 

This broad range of professional skills can be used in a variety of jobs and sectors.

You can succeed in various modern occupations if you have a philosophical background. 

Students who major in philosophy can go on to study law or receive their doctorate while some professionals in the sector go on to become postsecondary educators or attorneys.

Some students graduate and go on to become authors or journalists. 

A bachelor’s degree in philosophy can also be supplemented with an MBA or a degree in mathematics.

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Philosophy Major Curriculum

Discussing timeless, universal issues and immersing yourself in the ideas and writings of past thinkers are all possible in a philosophy major.

Philosophy major curriculum usually differs in various schools and programs.

You can discover various programs that give distinct approaches to philosophy majors after conducting some investigation. 

An example of a typical philosophy curriculum is:

• Overview of Western Philosophy
• Eastern Philosophy 
• Ancient Philosophy
• Ethics
• Metaphysics
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Morals
• Philosophy of Religion
• Law and Philosophy
• Modern Philosophy

Common Coursework Philosophy Majors Can Expect

Philosophy majors should anticipate that their degree requirements will leave room for exploration while also covering some essential subjects. 

You can select a set of supplementary courses in a subject area like education, business administration, or counseling because philosophy is not often a career-oriented field. 

You can even select from a variety of courses in philosophy that speak to your unique interests. But most of the courses you’ll study as a philosophy major depends on your specialization.

Majors will enroll in courses that introduce logic, study various periods in philosophy’s history, and examine the philosophy of language. 

You’ll also need to enroll in several prerequisite courses on fundamental subjects, such as Introduction to Philosophy and World Religions.

As many class selections and prerequisites are influenced by areas of study like metaphysics and value theory, majors will also have to get familiar with some new vocabulary. 

Metaphysics broadly addresses the nature of the universe, whereas value theory encompasses moral, social, and political philosophy. 

With these courses, philosophy majors will learn how to construct arguments that are critical and reasoned.

Majors will also enroll in programs that host conversations about challenging problems and offer numerous potential responses.

Courses included in a typical philosophy program are:

• Political and Social Thought
• Critical Analysis
• Globalization and Philosophy
• Feminist Ethics Topics
• Imagination and literature
• Basic Ethics
• Health Care Ethics
• Knowledge Philosophy 
• Environmental Philosophy

What Are Some Popular Philosophy Concentrations?

In college, your philosophy concentration is the particular focus area for your major. 

According to The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) offers a comprehensive list of college degree programs and concentrations (Classification for Instructional Programs). 

Some of the most popular philosophy concentrations, according to IPEDS, which classifies philosophy under the heading of philosophy and religious studies are listed below:

• General and applied logic
• Professional and applied ethics
• General Philosophy
• Religious studies
• Philosophy

Is Philosophy A Hard Major?

Deep problems are explored by philosophy majors, and these topics frequently lack clear solutions. 

So, philosophy can prove to be challenging or frustrating for individuals who like to work with facts or with more specific statements or equations.

Most philosophical thought takes the form of the rigorous critical analysis presented in well-written arguments. 

Students majoring in philosophy consider how to organize ideas and arguments logically and how to use language to convey rigorous thinking.

Reading philosophical articles, treatises, and books might be difficult for some people but most philosophers write in this manner. 

For certain people, studying formal and written logic can prove to be challenging.

Is Philosophy A Useless Major?

Although there aren’t many employers looking to hire philosophers, a major in philosophy can help you build skill sets that are useful in a variety of jobs and sectors.

A philosophy major, for instance, who improves their writing and communication abilities, might go after employment as a technical writer. 

Some philosophy majors who pursue doctoral degrees may be eligible to work as philosophy professors in colleges. 

Over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this position’s employment will expand by 7% and a 4% growth in jobs related to media and communication is also predicted.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the predicted job growth for postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers is 7% growth.

Philosophy isn’t a useless major, but this question is itself a philosophical query.

Skills For Philosophy Majors

Philosophy majors have the opportunity to explore a wide range of universal human issues and acquire various practical skills that can be used in various professional settings.

The skills gotten from philosophy majors are:

1.Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skill is an ability that enables you to identify incorrect reasoning and presumptions, point out errors in other people’s arguments, and approach problems from many viewpoints. 

Using core logical ideas, such as deductive vs. inductive reasoning, which you’ll learn during your studies can also help you effectively build or demolish arguments.

2.Communication Skills

You can improve your written and vocal communication skills by thinking critically about how facts and arguments are presented and structured.

3. Analysis Skills

Philosophy majors typically gain significant textual and logical analytic skills since philosophical writings are frequently demanding and difficult.

4. Self-directed Work Habits

The pursuit of a philosophy degree brings about extensive hours of independent study as well as a dedication to thorough research and analysis. 

Through this kind of program, you might learn study techniques that call for self-control and the capacity to finish work with little guidance from outside sources.

Students who major in philosophy are highly respected in academic environments because they can establish strict study habits and apply outstanding levels of objectivity and sophistication to their reading, analysis, and communication.

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Should I Major In Philosophy?

If you are a student who desires a college education that offers you time to reflect in-depth and explore important concepts, then you should consider majoring in philosophy.

Many different soft skills can be developed with a philosophy major and although philosophy does not indicate a career path, it can serve as a solid foundation for many different jobs.

An education in philosophy benefits students who want to:

• Examine enduring issues
• Build up critical thinking abilities
• Develop flexible and competent skill sets
• Make time for original thought

What Is A Philosophy Bachelor’s Degree?

An undergraduate degree given to philosophy majors is called a bachelor’s in philosophy degree. 

Introduction to survey courses in both western and eastern philosophy is often required of students pursuing a BA in philosophy.

You can discover significant elements of the historical evolution of both ancient and contemporary philosophy, as well as the preeminent schools of philosophical doctrine. 

The study of ethics and morality, metaphysics, epistemology, politics, and logic are also important areas of philosophical investigation.

A philosophy bachelor’s degree program can assist you in creating adaptable skill sets that are useful in a variety of fields. 

A philosophy bachelor’s degree can also serve as the groundwork for subsequent education.

Is A Bachelor’s In Philosophy Degree Worth It?

For many occupations and in various organizations, a bachelor’s degree in philosophy is worth it. 

Professionals with degrees in philosophy possess the ability to use solid reasoning, create intricate, objective arguments, and quickly assimilate, assess, and synthesize new material.

The skills that professional philosophy students acquire can be quite useful in various fields today such as law, education, public policy, marketing, or publishing. 

Who Hires Philosophy Majors?

With a philosophy degree, you can build professional and soft skills that are likely to be prized by numerous employers and organizations. 

These soft skills encompass critical thinking, the capacity to quickly assimilate, apply new information, assess intricate policies and arguments, use solid reasoning, and compose convincing writing.

Working in many industries are experts in philosophy and they go on to become legal assistants, public administration analysts, public policy researchers, or even teachers if they have the right training or credentials. 

Other professionals in philosophy pursue careers in writing, publishing, marketing, and public affairs.

What Do Philosophers Do For A Living?

Philosophy, with its focus on logic and argument, is a good foundation for post-graduate study as well as a career in law, religion, commerce, international diplomacy, social work, medical management, or literature. 

Usually, a professional legal degree is a logical next step for most philosophy majors in terms of their careers. 

Because when creating legal tactics or arguing their cases in court, lawyers frequently research, evaluate, and synthesize textual laws and case law.

Some students who major in philosophy go on to acquire doctorates in philosophy or a related subject. 

They could use their abilities in verbal and written reasoning, critical thinking, and written and oral communication to work as academic researchers and writers or as university lecturers.

Philosophy majors with relevant backgrounds and credentials can continue their education or pursue career training in a variety of fields. 

They can pursue careers in education, journalism, business, public policy advocacy, divinity studies, and church ministry.

Most philosophy majors find employment in some professions, like an attorney, a banker, business professionals, a counselor, a minister, a teacher, non-profit administrators, a publisher, a journalist, store managers, a librarian, market consultants, a researcher, labor relations workers, social workers, a professor, self-employed, and foreign service officers.

Are There Any High Paying Jobs For Philosophy Majors?

Many philosophy students go on to enjoy well-paying careers in fields like law, academia, or business, for example, because they frequently gain practical, adaptable, and in-demand work skills.

Philosophy majors may pursue lucrative jobs as university professors, attorneys, or political scientists if they possess the necessary credentials. 

Some of them might even hold management roles and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives make an average of $107,680 a year, while marketing managers make $142,170.

Philosophy Careers And Salaries

The abilities and talents you can gain as a philosophy major can be applied to various professional skills and interests.

Many professionals in philosophy also go for some other additional training or certification. 

Depending on their aptitudes, professional goals, and hobbies, some philosophy majors are better suited for different career pathways.

Examples of careers and salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are listed in a table below 

Careers	Annual Median Salaries
Lawyers	$126,930
Writers and Authors	$67,120
Postsecondary Philosophy and Religion Teachers	$76,160
Psychologists	$82,180
Sociologists	$86,110
Political Scientists	$125,350
Social and Community Service Managers	$69,600
Survey Researchers	$59,870
Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$52,920
Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts	$49,300

Things You Can Do With A Philosophy Major

Numerous entry-level positions are compatible with the professional skill set that a philosophy major can help you achieve.

You can also enter specialized fields by selecting a degree emphasis or obtaining a graduate degree in a related profession.  

The top things you can do with your philosophy major are

1.Postsecondary Teacher

People who pursue this job route continue to study philosophy and may need to pursue an academic specialization.

While also instructing beginning or advanced courses, many postsecondary teachers conduct ongoing research and publish their findings to further their careers. 

People who work as postsecondary teachers often put in a lot of reading, research, and writing time for school.

2.Survey Researcher

Numerous corporations, charities, and governmental organizations gather data for a variety of organizational planning, goal-setting, and project and policy creation purposes.

The abilities you gain as a philosophy major can be useful for survey research in an organization. 

For instance, the ability to apply solid thinking and analysis as well as written communication abilities can be useful as a survey researcher.

3.Writer

Philosophy majors can develop critical thinking and organizational skills, which may improve their writing. 

The ability of a philosopher to think deeply and analyze things thoroughly can also prove to be a useful skill while writing.

Writers are thinkers because they build the concepts for their essays by using their critical thinking abilities. 

Writers can also create and distribute original information or they may assist others in producing well-written guidelines, articles, reports, or grant proposals.

4.Lawyer

If you plan to study law in the future, getting a bachelor’s in philosophy might be something to consider. 

Students who major in philosophy often acquire logical reasoning, inference abilities, and rhetorical and causal argumentation skills. 

These kinds of abilities serve as a useful starting point for someone who aspires to become a successful lawyer.

Truth is frequently created through logical and rhetorical arguments, both in law and philosophy. Similarly, ethical and legal concerns affect both attorneys and philosophers.

5.Counselor

Most philosophers reflect on philosophical and epistemological issues about the nature of reality, divine belief, and ethical distinctions.

There are many similarities between the questions investigated in philosophy programs and the type of mindfulness that counselors and psychologists help patients study. 

Students who major in philosophy can choose to pursue advanced education in counseling or psychology.

6. Clergy

Gaining a philosophy degree can be a straightforward first step on the path to further graduate study in divinity and religious studies.

Getting advanced degrees in religion or divinity can lead to employment in church management. They might seek out leadership roles as pastors, youth leaders, or coordinators of religious events.

7.Public Policy Analyst

You might be able to concentrate on political philosophy, political economy, or social justice as a philosophy major.

Your specialized training may help you get ready for graduate school in political science and a career in public policy. 

Philosophical analysis and critical thinking techniques are frequently used by political scientists and other public policymakers.

8. Professor

Most humanities departments like having a philosophy major instruct undergraduates because design, planning, research, and administrative skills are unmatched in the classroom by philosophy majors. 

With a philosophy major, you have a good chance of becoming the professor who has written over 9,000 books and only ever wears nice suits.

9. Doctor

For philosophy majors who can evaluate theories, debunk presumptions, offer alternatives, talk clearly, and carefully study the effects of each action, hospitals can be a shelter. 

You can choose to continue to medical school after receiving your philosophy degree.

10. Politician

Critical thinking skills, an understanding of governmental issues, and the ability to attract huge audiences with their ideas and voices are necessary for politicians. 

You’ll probably be more qualified for the White House than most politicians presently if you major in philosophy.

11. Journalist

The main point of journalism is communication and in philosophy, dialogue is vital, making this the perfect combination. 

Journalists can improve their written and oral communication skills by studying philosophy.

There are various positions available for humanities majors like philosophy in journalism.

Reasons Why You Should Study Philosophy

The following are common reasons why you should pursue a Bachelor’s or Masters in philosophy:

1.You Can Ask The Most Fundamental Questions

Philosophy enjoys posing a wide range of queries and it is even more crucial to ask the correct questions than it is to know the answers. 

By doing this, you will come to understand that there is frequently no one right response or a response that will not alter as you advance and continue to change. 

Therefore, you will learn how to confront the ideas that you take for granted and how to ask the greatest questions by studying philosophy.

You will talk about important issues including the nature of reality, the nature of philosophy, the limits of our knowledge, and how humans think.

You can concentrate on more real-world inquiries like:

• What defines good and bad? 
• What time is it? 
• Why are we humans?
• What link exists between the brain and the mind? How can we feel content? 
• Does God exist?
• How can inequality be reduced? 
• What are the duties and restrictions placed on governments? 
• When do technological advances cross the line into the risky territory?

2.You Can Learn A Little Bit Of Everything

Talking about practically anything and everything is what philosophers do best. You will gain the ability to think clearly while studying philosophy, but you will also question and discuss significant concepts on all topics of human interest. 

You can also choose to explore subjects in a wide range of academic fields, including politics and law, mathematics, linguistics, the arts, religion, medicine, biology, and history.

During your studies for a degree in philosophy, you might learn a little bit of everything by taking some of the following courses:

• The most fundamental tenets of existence, such as being, knowing, identity, and time, are discussed in metaphysics.
• Learn the guiding principles of science and the concepts that have shaped our conception of it by studying the philosophy of science.
• History studies if there is an objective history, how different is it from subjective history? The way we interpret history depends on our points of view.
• Understanding how we use language, how it is influenced by our thinking, and if language is more than just a tool for communication are all part of language philosophy.
• Political philosophy examines the value and boundaries of ideas like authority, justice, law, and government.
• Ethics seeks to define good and evil and determine whether any procedures can be used to determine whether a certain action or choice is morally right or wrong.
• Epistemology examines what knowledge is, how to separate it from personal belief, and what it means to be knowledgeable.
• The goal of the philosophy of religion is to analyze religious questions using reasoned methods rather than relying on personal faith.
• Learn how to use logic to determine whether propositions are true, valid, or consistent.

3.You’ll Be Able To Study Anywhere In The World

There are philosophers needed everywhere on earth, even though it may not always seem that way. 

Since humans first developed the ability to think, people have been contemplating the nature of life and humanity.

Since philosophy is such a well-established academic field, there are excellent degrees available everywhere.

Here are a few nations that provide excellent Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in philosophy:

• Masters in Philosophy, UK
• Masters in Philosophy, US
• Masters in Philosophy, Germany
• Masters in Philosophy, Netherlands
• Masters in Philosophy, British
• Masters in Philosophy, Australia
• Masters in Philosophy, Canada

4.You’ll Discuss Exciting Topics And Do Thought Experiments

In the best thrilling program or thought-provoking film you’ve ever seen, one or more philosophical concepts are almost certainly present.

If you love films like The Matrix, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich, The Truman Show, Brazil, The Seventh Seal, Inception, 12 Angry Men, Waking Life, My Dinner with Andre, and others, philosophy might be the subject for you. 

If you haven’t seen any of these films, you should check them out to get a sense of some current philosophical issues.

You may also be familiar with renowned thought experiments, which are theoretical scenarios designed to test a philosophical notion and spark a discussion that results in real-world applications. 

Scenarios like what are the survival lottery, Schrodinger’s cat, brains in vats, the trolley problem, the twin earth, and if a tree falls in a forest?

5. You’ll Understand How Human Thinking Has Developed Over Time

You will begin to comprehend the relationship between how people think now and in the past as you study philosophy. 

You will see how seemingly insignificant concepts have grown and transformed into important discoveries or subjects of in-depth inquiry.

You will also learn a great deal about the historical setting in which these concepts first appeared as well as their impact on the fields of art, politics, science, the economy, religion, and social interactions. 

By understanding history and past events, philosophers try to correct past errors and prevent future ones.

You will have the possibility to learn about entire philosophical traditions that you were unaware even existed because they were built on the criticism of views held by forerunners. 

The concepts of philosophers are frequently scrutinized and they expand on the works of earlier thinkers.

You will get familiar with all the significant figures and writings in the development of human thought, including those of the thinkers Aristotle, Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Kant, Mill, Hegel, Heidegger, Sartre, Wittgenstein, and Russell.

6.You’ll Develop Critical And Structured Thinking

Critical thinkers don’t mind challenging the status quo, considering issues from all angles, and not taking anything for granted. 

Philosophical thinking is an excellent technique to protect yourself from political propaganda, fake news, and shocking remarks, especially in the modern world.

Does a particular notion have adequate support and hold up under scrutiny? Is it possible to provide examples that refute a claim that everyone seems to take for granted?

Most significantly, philosophy teaches you that there aren’t many definitive answers and that concepts heavily depend on context and perspective.

7.You’ll Learn To Read And Write Like A Philosopher

A lot of reading is done by philosophy students and the majority of philosophical books are typically large. 

However, this doesn’t mean you will read lots of books in a single semester because, in reality, you’ll read extensively on important ideas. 

You might discuss 1-2 chapters from a key work of philosophy for the entire semester.

However, you’ll discover how to approach that material, what to search for, and how to adhere to underlying assumptions and logical justifications. 

Also, you never read one author alone, you will probably read bits and pieces on the same subject from several authors.

You will conduct extensive research, learn how to recognize accurate data, look for supporting evidence, read commentary, and contrast viewpoints. 

Philosophers are also interested in how ideas have been translated from various languages and whether or not notions have changed or disappeared over time. 

You’ll also discover that text footnotes provide crucial information, often even more so than the text itself.

You’ll learn how to organize and write an essay as well as how to condense difficult concepts into digestible chunks of knowledge.

8. You’ll Learn That There’s No Question Too Dumb And No Topic Too Sacred

You will also master the art of defying conventional wisdom, which is another fantastic ability. 

You’ll gain the ability to communicate with those you disagree with by listening to their viewpoints and analyzing alternatives without presuming that one is correct. 

For philosophical thought, it is vital to comprehend many viewpoints because you’ll have to defend your own opinions and views all the time.

Most philosophy teachers foster casual learning environments and encourage class debates, and even they are not immune to the scrutiny of their pupils.

9. You’ll Apply Your Knowledge To More Careers Than You Expect

Studies in philosophy don’t typically have a strong reputation when it comes to the job market, but this is a popular misunderstanding. 

Your philosophy studies will give you abilities that are important for your future job. Great and frequently unrecognized advantages come with abilities like critical thinking, organization, synthetization, adaptability, great communication, listening to all points of view, and a wealth of knowledge about the world. 

Employers adore independent thinkers that are committed to finding novel solutions to problems.

Rather than becoming philosophy professors, most philosophy graduates find employment in a variety of industries, including law, business, education, media, medical, marketing, public policy, government, public relations, and social services.

A Bachelor’s in Philosophy blends well with a Master’s in a more specialized field of study. And also after earning a Bachelor’s degree in a completely unrelated field, earning a Master’s degree in philosophy is an excellent way to boost your career.

A Ph.D. in philosophy is probably what you should pursue if you want to become a philosopher because you will almost certainly teach in the future.

10. You’ll Learn That Philosophy Is A Constantly Modern Subject

Philosophical ideas never get stale or become outdated, much like human concepts do. Philosophers expand on the earlier philosophers’ queries while continually returning to their profound findings. 

Additionally, as society advances and technology advances, new problems for how we live, perceive ourselves and make moral judgments appear.

The development of artificial intelligence, the effects of globalization, the climate change crisis, immigration, women’s rights, minority rights, animal rights, relationships between governments and the economy, and a plethora of other issues are among the difficult questions that philosophers continue to pose.

Because of this, philosophers believe that learning how to think is more crucial than memorization of theory.

Because concepts evolve, there are various viewpoints so we should always approach each scenario with an open mind and a fresh perspective. 

And philosophy was built to produce decent, morally upright, self-aware people who yearn to create a more just and better world.

11. Philosophy Majors Have A Strong Understanding Of History, Politics, And Law

Philosophy by its very nature is multidisciplinary. Philosophers comprehend things like national governments, religious institutions, and communities, and automatically take into account factors like morality, conduct, and the human condition. 

To contextualize most of the literature they will be expected to read, philosophy students must develop a solid understanding of these facets of human life. 

As a result, philosophy majors are particularly qualified to comprehend history, engage in politics, and assess the effects of legislation.

12. Philosophy Majors Are Sought After By Cutting Edge Organizations

Your ability to communicate, conduct research, and engage in the critical analysis will serve you well in a variety of professional situations. 

Progressive businesses in the internet, marketing, and retail sectors are increasingly hiring people with backgrounds in philosophy to help them approach problems and seize opportunities with originality, rigor, and a firm grasp of ethics.

13. Philosophy Majors Are Influential

The conversation about ethics, human existence, and reality is still controversial even in philosophy. 

The effects of contemporary realities like globalization, environmental degradation, and the pervasiveness of technology continue to spark in-depth investigation and heated debate. 

The work of today’s top intellectuals has a huge impact because top philosophers are advancing feminist theory, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of mind, and many other areas.

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Downsides Of Philosophy 

1.The Misconception Of Philosophers

You’ll easily get annoyed by how others perceive your major because most times they think you’re too theoretical and idealistic. 

You might also find it a little challenging to dispel the myth that all philosophy majors have lofty ideals.  

2.The Reading You’ll Go Through

You will have to read some strange and out-of-date material like metaphysics where you’ll learn that science exists but the explanation of it will be confusing.

Most philosophers, if not all of them, excel at making arguments but at writing them. You will read some of the most confusing texts you can imagine as a philosophy major. 

Given how difficult to understand Kant’s writing is, you may be perplexed as to how he managed to become so well-known.

Or David Hume said, “Nothing is more genuine or more important to us than our feelings of pleasure and unease; if they are favorable to virtue and unfavorable to vice, no other factor is necessary for determining how we should act.”

3.It Might Be A Solitary Endeavour

Most of your philosophical work will be done alone with a cup of coffee or tea, or both, and you will feel like you’re way over your head. 

However, you will learn almost as much from debating with your classmates as you will from your professors and your assigned readings. 

You may also feel a little out of place and misunderstood by other majors, who rarely recognize the significance of philosophy. 

They will make you think that philosophy is, at best, an intellectual kind of onanist, and, at worst, a pointless or even dangerous endeavor.  

4.The People You’ll Encounter

Philosophy majors are frequently thought of as being pretentious and there is a reason for that reputation. 

There are a few genuinely repulsive philosophy students like people who raise their hand and you immediately groan within. 

But many philosophy students do struggle with certain topics. And you may discover far more about your peers than you ever wanted to know. 

Most people with a few loose screws are drawn to philosophy for some reason.

Additionally, you’ll encounter students in your classes who learn concepts more slowly than you do and who outperform you.  

5.The Thinking You’ll Go Through

There is a lot of thinking involved in philosophy that you might not normally undertake. Philosophical thought experiments are all about attempting to comprehend the justifications for a stance or the reasons why a position is illogical. 

Philosophy has the power to fundamentally alter you.  Philosophy is not for you if you don’t enjoy asking “what if” questions.

If philosophy interests you, you should approach it with an open mind and be prepared to consider ideas you never thought you’d doubt.

What Kinds Of Philosophy Degrees Are There?

You don’t need to have a certain level of education to apply your philosophical skills professionally. 

But academics predominate in this field, meaning that some of philosophy’s most renowned and influential figures will have a graduate degree. 

Whether you intend to become a philosopher, a postsecondary philosophy instructor, or use the knowledge you acquire in your philosophy school to pursue a position in another industry, having a degree might have a significant impact on the career you choose to pursue.

In philosophy, there are different types of degrees, such as 

1.Associate In Philosophy

An associate degree in philosophy is a two-year degree program that provides an introduction to a variety of fundamental subjects, such as ethical philosophy, Ancient Greek philosophy, and world religion. 

With an associate’s degree in philosophy, you can work for a nonprofit foundation, a church, a marketing company, and other organizations. 

You may be able to get a four-year degree in philosophy more quickly and affordably by starting with an associate’s degree.

2.Bachelor of Philosophy

A bachelor’s in philosophy degree is a well-known liberal arts program, which typically takes four years to complete.

This program will provide you with a thorough education in both ancient and modern philosophy as well as how various schools of thought relate to politics, religion, race relations, gender, and economic distribution. 

Although philosophy is not a degree program that is fundamentally related to a particular field of work, you can apply your philosophy study to a particular industry by choosing a minor or double major in a subject like teaching, political science, or corporate ethics.

Many degree programs, but not all, let students choose between earning a bachelor’s in arts or a bachelor’s in science.

The majority of “Science” degree courses will be devoted to the major field, with in-depth study of a focused area of studies, such as a practicum, internship, or lab experience. 

A more well-rounded curriculum, including core concentration courses as well as a variety of humanities and electives, is offered by an “Arts” degree. 

3.Master of Philosophy

With this two-year master of philosophy degree, you’ll have the chance to specialize your philosophy study in a field like public service, teaching, law, or human resources. 

Your studies in philosophy will provide you with a solid foundation in argumentation, critical analysis, and information organization, and your area of emphasis will give you a method to put these talents to use.

Many advanced degree programs, but not all, offer the option to earn a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree. 

The diversity of the course offered is typically the main point of distinction.

Your career or educational goals as well as the degree options offered by your school will determine the type of degree you pursue.

And most times, the names and classifications of majors used by institutions might vary widely. 

4. Ph.D. in Philosophy

Ph.D. in philosophy is a terminal degree, which usually takes three to five years to complete.

This degree is necessary for people who want to head research for a think tank, governmental organization, or charity foundation as well as those who want to teach philosophy at the post-secondary level. 

Those who have the academic title of philosopher or theosophist may also benefit from a Ph.D. in philosophy degree.

Schools Offering A Philosophy Major

Below are some universities in the United States that offer philosophy as a major:

• Princeton University Princeton, NJ
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA  
• Williams College Williamstown, MA  
• Amherst College Amherst, MA  
• High Point University High Point, NC  
• Providence College Providence, RI  
• Rollins College Winter Park, FL  
• University of Portland Portland, OR  
• Bentley University Waltham, MA  
• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA

How To Know If This Major Is the Right Fit For You

Philosophy is the appropriate major for you if you enjoy debating difficult issues and evaluating opposing viewpoints while still keeping your own opinions in mind. 

Studying philosophy can be beneficial for both your academic and personal growth because the courses will encourage you to critically evaluate both the course material and your values. 

If your interests go beyond philosophy, you can still find a place in a philosophy major because classes connect to anything from computer science and mathematics to art history.

Getting Your Degree In Philosophy Online

Some people use their college experience as philosophy majors to immerse themselves in the pursuit of truth, introspection, and ethical investigation.

While some students see majoring in philosophy as a chance to improve their communication abilities as well as their capacity for critical and analytical thought.

There are several online philosophy degree programs available if philosophy is something you’re interested in majoring in but you don’t have the time for college. 

You can start searching for authorized universities right now with preferable requirements to study philosophy.

FAQ

Conclusion

Most students find a degree in philosophy to be worth it while some are drawn to the chance to discuss philosophical ideas and literature with others.

With a philosophy major, you can explore fundamental issues related to existence, knowledge, self-awareness, ethics, and justice. 

You can develop a strong foundation of professional abilities, such as communication, critical thinking, writing, reasoning, and research, by earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

With the information provided in this article, you would have been able to decide if philosophy is a good major for you.