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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorPhilosophy is unique in the nature and breadth of its subject matter, and pursues questions in every dimension of human life. Philosophy is a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for understanding, and a study of principles and conduct. Philosophy seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods for resolving conflicts, and to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments. Philosophy develops the capacity to see the world from the perspective of other individuals and cultures and it enhances one’s ability to perceive the relationships among the various fields of study. The traditional subfields of philosophy are logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics and the history of philosophy.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyThe study of philosophy develops excellent transferable skills such as the ability to solve problems, to communicate, to organize ideas and issues, to assess pros and cons, to synthesize complex data, the ability to frame hypotheses and conduct research, the ability to present clear and sound arguments, and logic.Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorBiology, chemistry, classical studies, cognitive science, computer science, economics, English, history, journalism, linguistics, mathematics, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and telecommunications.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreePhilosophy provides excellent preparation for fields that demand strong critical thinking and writing skills. These fields include but are not limited to investigative journalism, technical writing, editing, and many areas of business.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeA major in philosophy enhances a graduate's career options in many fields: in publishing, government service, investment banking, and fields connected with information technology, to name but a few.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreePhilosophy is an excellent major for preprofessional students. Majors perform exceptionally well on LSAT, MCAT and GMAT examinations and have high rates of admission to professional schools. Philosophy also provides valuable intellectual training for students planning to pursue the MBA or an academic career in any of a wide range of disciplines. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities will require specific graduate degrees.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookThe information revolution is transforming our economy, and specialized occupational skills are becoming less valuable than the general reasoning and communication skills that are developed by a philosophy major. Graduates with a philosophy major find that the skills they have developed in their philosophy training are very useful in many non-academic careers. The job market for philosophy majors varies with the job market generally. See resources such as the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook in the Career Resource Library at the Arts and Sciences Career Services Office.Salary InformationVaries according to the wide variety of career fields. See resources such as the American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries at the Career Resource Library.Potential Career GrowthVaries according to the wide variety of career fields. See resources at the Career Resource Library and other majors on this web site.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorContact the Arts and Sciences Career Services office.High School PreparationA standard preparation track in high school is quite adequate, though any studies that give practice in critical thinking and analysis would provide superior preparation. Students with a strong interest in logic will find additional math courses especially worthwhile. English and social studies courses are also useful, especially when they emphasize writing as well as the close, critical study of texts and ideas.Special OpportunitiesBesides the standard range of awards and honors open to majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, our department annually awards an Outstanding Senior Award, an Oscar Ewing Prize Essay Award, and a Biddle Award (to undergraduates who not only excel in scholarly endeavors but also engage in demanding and worthwhile community service activities). We also have an internship program that allows promising undergraduates to gain some exposure to and valuable experience in guided college teaching. Many students take advantage of IU’s many overseas study programs to spend a summer, a semester, or a year abroad. Outstanding students can also choose to enter the department’s honors program. Part of the program involves writing a senior thesis, which is an excellent way for students to improve their analytic and writing skills.Noted AlumniIn addition to some well-known professors of philosophy and a number of prominent CEOs, perhaps the most illustrious alumnus is the late Oscar Ewing, head of the national Democratic Party under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
