Philosophy Major

• What is Philosophy?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Philosophy?
• What Courses Do Philosophy Majors Take?
• List of Philosophy Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Philosophy Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is a discipline of the mind that is an excellent preparation for professional studies. It also lends itself to interdisciplinary programs such as legal studies, women's and gender studies, environmental studies, international studies and various other possibilities. It provides a different perspective on other disciplines such as psychology, mathematics, literature, and political science and it centers on a set of questions that thinking people seek out. Philosophy explores fundamental and general questions about the nature of concepts such as knowledge, reality and values. It analyses of the logic of valid argumentation applicable to all rational thought and philosophy studies the methodology and basic concepts of all other disciplines.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Philosophy may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Aesthetics	Cognitive Science
Ethics	Philosophy
Philosophy and Religion	Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Science	Religious Studies

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What Kinds of Students Major in Philosophy?

Students in this field appreciate and have thoughtful attitudes toward life and the world. They reflect critically on such problems as the nature of our individual and social lives, the nature of the world in which we live, and the nature of our consciousness of and response to that world. Enjoying the debating of various issues with colleagues, this kind of person is always seeing and contemplating the moral and social issues that surround us. Excellent writing skills are important.

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What Courses Do Philosophy Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Philosophy majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Ancient Philosophy	Contemporary Analytic Philosophy
Formal State	Great Philosophers
Mind and Matter	Philosophies of the Environment
Philosophy	Philosophy and the Computer
Racism and Sexism	School and Society
The Individual and Community

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List of Potential Jobs in Philosophy

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Business	Corporate Ethicist
Ministry/Religion	Peace Corps
Politics	Public Service
Public Speaking and Writing	Social and Community Services

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What is the Median Salary Range for Philosophy Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$40,000

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$76,700

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Philosophy

MyMajors complete list has 912 schools in the USA with a major in Philosophy.
-View the national listing!

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