Philosophy is the perfect choice for thinking creatively and clearly about the big questions: the nature of meaning, morality, justice, art, mind, knowledge, language, and reality are all open to question and discuss. Our students work closely with faculty to study from historical and contemporary perspectives, with a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and writing. Our impressive student-faculty ratio means help is there when you need it. 

Philosophical skills can be applied to any subject, issue, challenge, or topic. The ability to think critically about multiple views and communicate your perspective clearly will serve you well in just about any chosen career (and the data supports this—employers are looking for this critical thinking skillset). Consider our current crisis of misinformation, divisive politics, climate change, rising population, social justice issues, and many more. Philosophy helps us consider, shift, and remake the world.

But what do Philosophy majors actually do after college? Basically, anything and everything. We’ve listed a few job titles and employers from recent F&M Philosophy majors below. If your relatives are bugging you to pick a major with a “Reliable Income” and “Career Path,” show them these lists. (And really, this is just the tip of the iceberg.) According to PayScale Inc.’s 2017 “College Salary Report”, philosophy students have the highest median salary of any humanities major and tend to earn more over their lifetime than people with degrees in any other humanities field. 

Thinking about going to grad school? Philosophy students perform significantly better than any other humanities degree on the LSAT, GRE, and other entrance exams.  

We are a close-knit community that often gathers for philosophical discussions and events outside the classroom.

The Philosophy Department also offers additional majors through the interdisciplinary program in Scientific and Philosophical Studies of Mind, sponsored and jointly staffed by the Philosophy and Psychology Departments.