What can I do with a philosophy major?
Besides teaching philosophy, which isn't for everyone, you could use your philosophical training in many ways. For example, philosophy is an excellent preparation for a career in law; many law schools look favorably on a philosophy major. Also, you could go into fields like public administration, journalism, health care, and communication.
A philosophy major learns intellectual skills that are useful in a wide range of careers. A philosophy major learns to think rigorously about fundamental questions -- to understand and evaluate conflicting points of view -- to express ideas clearly and logically -- and to reason in a careful way. These skills are useful in almost any career.
Many students pick philosophy as a second major. Your first major likely raises questions about values or methodology that philosophy can explore; so philosophy can deepen and broaden your training in your first major. It can also enhance your intellectual skills -- to question, to think seriously, and to speak clearly. So a second major in philosophy can help prepare you for a profession in your first field, or for graduate school.
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