jobs you can get with a phd in philosophy

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What Can You Do with a Philosophy Degree? Job Prospects + Insights

By Eric Eng

Despite the common misconception that a philosophy degree offers limited job prospects, it actually opens up fulfilling career opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, philosophy and religion graduates receive a median annual wage of $60,000 .

We will explore what you can do with a philosophy degree , the different types of philosophy degrees available, and how they can lead to diverse and rewarding jobs. If you are considering pursuing a philosophy degree or you’re curious about the career options it provides, this guide will offer a comprehensive look into the world of philosophy.

What Are the Types of Philosophy Degrees?

What are the jobs for philosophy majors, how do philosophers make money, what skills do philosophy majors have, frequently asked questions.

Philosophy degrees come in bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees, each offering different depths of study and career opportunities.

A bachelor’s degree provides a broad foundation in philosophical concepts and critical thinking. The master’s degree allows for specialization in areas like ethics or logic, preparing graduates for advanced roles or further academic pursuits.

For those aiming for the highest academic and research positions, a PhD offers extensive study and the opportunity to contribute original research to the field.

The United States has many colleges that offer excellent education in philosophy. Among Ivy League schools , Harvard, Yale, and Princeton have a long-standing reputation in American philosophy education. In 2024, Harvard was ranked the top Ivy League school for philosophy in the U.S., and placed at #8 globally by QS Top Universities .

Meanwhile, New York University ranked #1 as the best philosophy school in the world, according to QS, followed by Rutgers University-New Brunswick at #3 and the University of Pittsburgh at #5. This places U.S. universities as dominant in the top 10 philosophy schools worldwide.

Each level of degree opens up unique paths and opportunities depending on your career goals and interests. Find out more about each of the degrees.

Bachelor’s degree in philosophy

A bachelor’s degree in philosophy is an undergraduate degree, often serving as the starting point for those wondering what they can do with a philosophy degree . It typically takes about four years to complete and provides a broad understanding of philosophical concepts, ethics, and critical thinking skills.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy are well-equipped for entry-level positions in many fields, including education, writing, and business.

In a bachelor’s degree, the coursework is designed to build a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills. Typical courses include the following courses.

• Introduction to Philosophy. An overview of major philosophical concepts, issues, and historical figures.
• Ethics. Study of moral principles and their application in various contexts.
• Metaphysics. Examination of the nature of reality, existence, and the universe.
• Logic. Focus on formal reasoning, argument structures, and critical analysis.
• Epistemology. Exploration of the nature and scope of knowledge and belief.
• Philosophy of Science. Analysis of scientific methods, theories, and their philosophical implications.
• Political Philosophy. Examination of concepts related to governance, justice, and political theory.
• Philosophy of Mind. Study of consciousness, identity, and the nature of the mind.

These courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of philosophical problems and methods to prepare them for career paths or further academic study.

The courses are also present in master’s and PhD; however, the higher degrees require a more focused, graduate-level understanding of the foundations. Typically, graduate schools in philosophy require a bachelor’s degree in philosophy to pursue a master’s thesis level of final degree project.

Master’s degree in philosophy

A master’s degree in philosophy is a graduate degree that usually requires an additional two years of study beyond the bachelor’s level. This degree allows for more specialized study in areas such as ethics, logic, or metaphysics.

With a master’s degree, philosophy graduates can pursue advanced roles in academia, research, and specialized consultancy. It also serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to complete a PhD.

PhD in philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in philosophy is the highest academic qualification in the field and typically involves several years of research and writing a dissertation. This degree is ideal for those looking to teach at the university level or engage in high-level research and analysis.

Philosophy at the doctoral level offers an in-depth understanding of philosophical theories and methods to prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, research, and public policy.

Philosophy majors are known for their strong analytical and critical thinking skills, so they excel in jobs in law, paralegal, education, business, writing, and many more. They are highly valued in many professions with both their holistic and analytic approaches.

Philosophy and religious majors are in the workforce, with a total employment data of 537,520 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They undeniably have a strong place in the workforce. 

What you can do with a philosophy degree includes exploring careers in writing, consulting, and business. Here are some common career paths philosophy majors took after graduation.

Education professionals

Teaching philosophy at high schools or universities is a popular and rewarding career path for philosophy graduates. High school teachers focus on introducing students to foundational philosophical concepts, ethics, and critical thinking, often integrating these ideas into broader discussions of literature and history.

At the university level, professors handle classes on advanced philosophical topics, lead discussions, and guide students through complex theories and texts.

Beyond teaching, philosophy graduates can also pursue roles in educational administration or curriculum development. They might work on designing and implementing educational programs, developing curriculum that incorporates philosophical concepts, or advising on educational policy.

These roles leverage their expertise in analytical thinking and effective communication to develop and improve educational practices and outcomes.

Common job titles:

• Professor and college instructor
• School principal
• School counselor
• Education administrator
• Education department official
• Curriculum developer

Writing and media professionals

Philosophy majors excel in writing and journalism due to their ability to analyze complex issues and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.

In writing, they can create content ranging from essays and articles to books, often focusing on subjects that require deep understanding and critical analysis.

Journalists and other media practitioners with a philosophy background bring a unique perspective to their reporting. They can produce in-depth analyses of current events, cultural issues, and societal trends. Their training in constructing coherent arguments and evaluating evidence makes them adept at investigative journalism and editorial writing.

Their ability to write complex philosophical ideas in an accessible manner makes it easy to engage a wide audience and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

• Content writer and editor
• Public relations and communication strategist
• Marketing specialist
• Print journalist
• Broadcast journalist
• Executive producer
• Media practitioner

Business and consulting professionals

The problem-solving and critical thinking skills you get in a philosophy degree are highly transferable to business roles. Philosophy graduates are well-suited for positions in management, where their ability to analyze situations, forecast potential outcomes, and make reasoned decisions drives business success.

In marketing, they can apply their understanding of human behavior and ethical considerations to craft compelling campaigns and strategies. Consulting roles benefit from their analytical skills, as they help clients solve complex problems and develop strategic solutions.

Philosophy graduates also bring a unique approach to business challenges, focusing on innovative and ethical solutions that consider broader implications and long-term impacts.

• Project manager
• Product manager
• Manager in sales, finance, marketing, or human resources
• Business developer
• Business consultant

Public policy and advocacy professionals

Philosophy graduates find fulfilling careers in public policy and advocacy, where they show their analytical skills and ethical reasoning. In public policy, they analyze complex issues, evaluate potential solutions, and provide recommendations to shape effective and equitable policies. Their training in ethical analysis helps them navigate the moral dimensions of policy decisions and advocate for social justice.

Advocacy roles involve working with organizations or government bodies to promote causes, influence legislation, and drive social change. Philosophy graduates use their expertise to argue for policy reforms, support marginalized communities, and address systemic issues, which makes a tangible impact on society.

• Policymaker 
• Policy analyst
• Public administrator
• Non-government organization (NGO) worker
• Social worker
• Community developer
• Advocacy analyst
• Legislation staff
• Bioethicist

Legal professionals

The rigorous training in logical reasoning and ethical analysis provided by a philosophy degree makes graduates particularly well-suited for legal careers. Philosophy majors often excel in law school due to their strong analytical skills, ability to construct and deconstruct arguments, and understanding of ethical principles.

Most Juris Doctor (JD) students took philosophy as their pre-law course, and they may pursue careers as attorneys after their admission to state bars. They excel in skills that require interpretation and application of the law. They are good at representing clients and arguing cases in court.

Their background in philosophy also prepares them for roles in legal research, where they analyze legal texts and precedents, or in judicial positions, where they contribute to the interpretation and application of laws. The critical thinking and ethical training of philosophy graduates are invaluable assets in the legal field.

• Government lawyer
• Court judge and justice
• Legal researcher
• Legal analyst
• Professor of law

Paralegal professionals

A paralegal assists attorneys by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and preparing case files. They help in the legal process by organizing evidence, managing case information, and helping with legal procedures.

Paralegals may specialize in various areas of law, such as corporate, family, or criminal law. A strong background in critical thinking and ethics, which philosophy graduates possess, is valuable in this role. While a bachelor’s degree in philosophy is not always required, it provides a solid foundation for understanding legal principles and reasoning.

Paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, and their work supports attorneys in delivering effective legal services.

• Paralegal project manager
• Paralegal assistant
• Government assistant
• Legal department research assistant
• Documentation assistant

Philosophy majors can pursue careers with competitive salaries, depending on the field they choose to enter. For those asking what you can do with a philosophy degree , the skills developed in a philosophy program are highly adaptable and in demand across multiple industries.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as mentioned earlier, philosophy and religion graduates earn a median annual wage of $60,000 USD and an average starting salary of around $50,000 USD per year. This can increase significantly with experience, specialization, and advanced degrees.

Philosophy majors who transition into business roles such as management consulting or marketing can see their earnings surpass $100,000 USD annually. Similarly, philosophy graduates who pursue legal careers, particularly as attorneys or legal researchers, often exceed the six-figure mark once established in the profession.

Teaching at the university level as a professor can also offer a lucrative career, with tenured positions often bringing in salaries above $80,000 USD. Even in roles like public policy or advocacy, philosophy majors may command high salaries, especially in leadership or advisory positions.

The diverse skill set gained from studying philosophy, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and strong communication, opens doors to high-paying jobs for philosophy majors across sectors like education, law, business, and government, which provide a solid financial return on the investment in a philosophy degree.

Here are the highest-paying entry-level jobs for philosophy majors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Meanwhile, honing particular skills relevant to each job title is what you can do with a philosophy degree to get the high-paying job you want. Here are the best-paying jobs for philosophy majors.

Philosophy majors develop highly valuable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Those skills are what you can do with a philosophy degree , useful in academic settings, and applicable to many industries.

The U.S. News & World Report compared philosophy and psychology degrees. While majors in both fields develop similar skills and the studies are somewhat related, the report highlighted that philosophy majors focus more on logic, reasoning, and questioning. This emphasis helps them become more critical thinkers and stronger communicators in the workplace.

These skills are what make philosophy graduates stand out in the job market, with their strong foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving in any field.

• Critical thinking. The ability to analyze and evaluate arguments and ideas.
• Problem-solving. Developing solutions to complex and abstract problems.
• Communication. Articulating complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Ethical reasoning. Understanding and applying ethical principles in various contexts.
• Research. Conducting in-depth analysis and synthesizing information from multiple sources.

Exploring exciting and impactful careers is what you can do with a philosophy degree . The skills you gain will serve you well in many fields, which makes it a versatile and valuable choice for your education and career path.

1. What can you do with a philosophy degree if you don’t want to teach?

You can explore careers in writing, consulting, business, public policy, and more. If teaching isn’t your path, a philosophy degree opens doors to careers beyond academia. With such versatility, philosophy majors have endless possibilities in fields such as law, marketing, non-profits, and more.

2. Is a philosophy degree valuable in the job market?

Absolutely! The critical thinking and communication skills gained from a philosophy degree are highly valued in many industries. Many philosophy graduates rise to leadership roles due to their capacity for strategic thinking and navigating complex issues. The skills are what you can do with a philosophy degree that makes you a highly adaptable and competitive candidate.

3. How long does it take to get a philosophy degree?

A bachelor’s degree takes about four years, a master’s degree an additional two years, and a PhD several more years of study and research.

4. Can a philosophy degree lead to a career in law?

Yes, many philosophy graduates go on to law school and successful legal careers. After law school, philosophy graduates often thrive as attorneys, judges, legal consultants, or policymakers, where their ability to dissect arguments and analyze complex issues proves invaluable.

• A philosophy degree offers diverse career opportunities beyond teaching, including roles in law, business, public policy, writing, and consulting. Many also thrive in the government, NGO management, and paralegal profession. 
• Philosophy equips graduates with valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
• Salaries vary by career path, but graduates often find rewarding and fulfilling jobs for philosophy majors . The average annual salary of a philosophy graduate is $60,000.
• If you’re curious about philosophy, it might be a good idea to chat with a college admissions consultant and ask what you can do with a philosophy degree . They can give you tips on how to get accepted and what it takes to excel in the program.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Jobs for Philosophy Majors: Careers for Deep Thinkers

By Publisher | Last Updated June 20, 2024

Jobs for philosophy majors are more common—and often better-paying—than you might think. It's true: Although "philosopher" may not be a very common job title, philosophy graduates are thriving in many career sectors. That's because the skills you can acquire by studying philosophy are highly valued and suitable for all kinds of fulfilling and meaningful careers.

So, in terms of practical concerns like earning money, what can you do with a philosophy degree? To arrive at the answer, you first need to consider the most fundamental goal of studying this subject: Philosophy students learn how to think, not what to think. That's essential, since thinking clearly and logically is one of the most important transferable skills of the 21st century.

After all, modern life is complicated. Organizations of every type regularly face tough decisions. That's why more and more managers now recognize the importance of hiring people who can consider multiple viewpoints and get to the heart of complex issues. They need sharp thinkers and concise communicators.

Still, you may run into people who have preconceived ideas that earning a philosophy degree won't make you very employable. Well-meaning friends and relatives may ask, "Why major in philosophy?" That's what this article is for. The information below will help you answer the doubters (and maybe settle a few questions of your own).

You'll explore a wide range of career options for philosophy majors, learn about the earning potential of philosophy grads, and discover the many transferable skills that a philosophy degree can help you acquire.

• What can I do with a philosophy degree? 20 great jobs
• Do philosophy grads make money? Surprising salary stats
• Why take philosophy? The valuable skills you can learn

What Can I Do With a Philosophy Degree? 20 Great Jobs

The answer is yes. In fact, the study of philosophy is just as important now as it was in ancient times. And great careers for philosophy majors can be found in many industries, including some of today's most cutting-edge career sectors.

So, what kind of work can a philosophy degree prepare you for? Start by considering challenging questions that can help you better understand the potential job market for philosophy grads. For example:

• How should data be handled if it can help a company make sales but will also expose consumers' private information?
• Should people be allowed to buy organs for transplant and bypass waiting lists?
• In an increasingly polarized political climate, how can advertisers reach specific segments of the population without alienating others? Should they even try?
• How should a company respond if the most environmentally friendly option isn't the most profitable one?
• Is physician-assisted suicide sometimes the best choice for a terminally ill patient?

Thinking about big questions like these is exactly what a philosopher does, even if "philosopher" isn't part of his or her job title. In fact, with a philosophy degree, you can get the types of jobs that require you to think logically and consider multiple perspectives—abilities that apply to many of the best jobs for the future .

This philosophy careers list includes many occupational examples that aren't necessarily traditional jobs for philosophers. A bachelor's degree in philosophy can provide an excellent foundation for each of them. However, some of these careers do require a graduate degree or additional, specialized training.

Salary information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) unless otherwise indicated. All yearly median earnings are rounded to the nearest thousand.*

1. Financial Analyst: $99K

Believe it or not, studying philosophy can be excellent preparation for financial analyst jobs. For philosophy degree holders, transferable skills such as paying attention to details, spotting trends, and seeing issues from many perspectives are helpful when navigating complex financial markets. Certification is often necessary in this field, but many employers sponsor employees through the licensing process.

2. Computer Programmer: $100K

Studying philosophy, a subject that originated in ancient times, might seem like an unlikely way to prepare for a career in the rapidly changing world of technology. But if you're skeptical, ask yourself this: What does philosophy teach you? In a good philosophy program, you can learn how to question existing assumptions, examine cause and effect, and consider statements from all angles—exactly the types of skills used in programming.

However, you should learn how to code before applying for programming jobs. (With a philosophy degree, you may have developed the logical thought processes that will help you learn programming languages. But many employers will want you to already have some coding ability.) Still, a growing sentiment in the tech sector is that it's easier to hire people who know how to think and teach them how to code than it is to hire people who can code and teach them how to think.

3. Business Consultant: $99K

Would you like to help companies become more efficient? A business or management consultant analyzes a company and proposes new, more efficient procedures. As a philosophy grad, your keen analytical skills could help you pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend new approaches.

Although a graduate degree isn't necessarily required, an MBA can help you get ahead. Plus, a bachelor's degree in philosophy is an excellent foundation for an MBA. In fact, philosophy majors have better scores , on average, than business and accounting majors on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

4. Lobbyist: $67K

Do you have a cause that you're passionate about? You can use the rhetorical skills that you perfected in a philosophy program to help persuade government officials and policymakers to support your cause.

5. Market Research Analyst: $75K

Would you like to help companies make informed decisions about the best ways to sell their products? Market research analysts predict sales trends using information they gather. Then, they help direct companies on what to do. With a philosophy degree, you can develop the big-picture thinking necessary to interpret data from a wide range of sources and draw your own conclusions about sales strategies.

Ethical considerations also play a role in market research. For example, should consumers be told when a company is using their personal data to shape sales plans? Should that data be shared with other companies? A philosophy major is good for teaching you how to address challenging questions like these.

6. Writer: $74K

At its core, philosophy is all about language. Philosophy students quickly discover that every word counts in a philosophical text and that words must be carefully chosen for clear meaning. Concisely summarizing dense philosophical materials and developing your own arguments can help your own writing.

Plus, writing about philosophy doesn't just prepare you to work with serious subject matter. In fact, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening and actor and writer Steve Martin both studied philosophy.

7. Human Resources (HR) Specialist: $68K

Solving problems, communicating clearly, and analyzing information are just a few of the essential skills that HR specialists use every day. As a philosophy graduate, your ability to see all sides of an issue can help you excel in this field. Just keep in mind that you may need additional human resources training for management-level jobs if you only studied philosophy. Career specialties in human resources include recruitment, benefits administration, employee training and development, payroll processing, and much more.

8. Teacher (K-12): $64K to $84K

You can become a teacher with just one year of special training after earning a bachelor's in philosophy. Jobs in the public-school system don't usually center around teaching philosophy itself. However, all teachers need the strong communication skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and genuine empathy that can be developed by studying philosophy.

9. Communications Specialist: $67K

Use your powers of persuasion and rhetorical skills to help organizations communicate with the public. You could craft press releases, respond to public inquiries, and create communications and advertising strategies. As a philosophy graduate, your understanding of multiple perspectives on political and social issues can help you create effective messages.

10. Paralegal: $61K

Are you interested in working in the legal field but not sure whether law school is the right choice for you? A career as a paralegal can provide opportunities to use the analytical, research, and organizational skills that you develop in a philosophy program. And if you have a bachelor's degree, some paralegal certificate programs can be completed in less than a year.

11. Real Estate Agent: $63K

What do real estate and philosophy have in common? Both fields require the ability to cut through rhetoric and get to the heart of a question. Negotiation is also a key component of real estate careers, so your ability to see both sides of an issue and develop sound arguments will help you succeed. In most states, you need to complete a real estate course and pass an exam in order to be licensed.

12. Entrepreneur: Salaries vary widely

To start successful businesses, entrepreneurs need to be good at thinking outside the box and examining the validity of new ideas. So, where can they learn those skills? In a philosophy program, of course. Former philosophy majors who have started extremely successful businesses include:

• Stewart Butterfield: Slack and Flickr co-founder
• Reid Hoffman: LinkedIn co-founder
• Peter Thiel: PayPal co-founder

13. Medical Doctor: $249K (for general practitioners)

What can physicians do if terminally ill patients request that their families not be told about their illnesses? Is it OK to exaggerate a patient's symptoms in order to ensure coverage by his or her insurance provider? A philosophy background can help doctors deal with tough ethical decisions like these.

Plus, it's possible to enter medical school after majoring in philosophy. That's because most medical schools don't restrict applicants to specific majors. (But you may need to complete some specific prerequisite science courses as an undergrad before applying to medical school.)

Also, did you know that philosophy graduates have higher medical school acceptance rates than biology graduates? It's true: Philosophy is consistently ranked as one of the top majors when it comes to medical school admittance. As well, humanities grads (a category that includes philosophy majors) have higher total Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results , on average, than biological science grads.

And if you're worried that majoring in the humanities won't be good preparation for studying medicine, rest easy. Once they're in medical school, students who majored in the humanities for their first degree perform at an equal level with other students.

14. Lawyer: $146K

A bachelor's in philosophy can be an excellent first degree before starting your legal studies. In fact, philosophy majors have the highest acceptance rate to law school.

As well, philosophy courses provide a solid background for your studies once you begin law school. After all, philosophy courses center around:

• Creating concise responses to complex problems
• Formulating logical responses for or against proposals
• Analyzing an argument and dissecting it for flaws
• Defending your views when challenged
• Examining evidence and drawing conclusions

All of those skills are essential for success in the legal world.

15. Philosophy Professor: $80K

It takes four years to get a degree in philosophy at the bachelor's level, and many of the career paths on this list only require an undergraduate education and, in some cases, a little specialized training in a different area. But what if you want to keep studying philosophy in a graduate program? What can you do with a PhD in philosophy?

Among other things, someone with a Doctor of Philosophy often leads classes in this subject at a college or university. Philosophy professors teach, write, and research. However, academic jobs in philosophy can be competitive , with more applicants than job openings.

If a philosophy department experiences funding cuts (a relatively common occurrence in humanities education), a professor may be asked to teach more classes. So, combined with the need to conduct research and publish papers, many philosophy professors have a lot on their plates.

Nonetheless, it can be very satisfying to pursue your own scholarly activities and help others answer big questions, such as "What do philosophers do?" and "How can philosophy help me live a better life?".

16. Bioethicist: $78K

Advances in medicine and technology have led to complex ethical questions. For example, should parents be able to choose a baby's gender? When should a patient have the right to turn down a life-saving procedure? Bioethicists help explore all ethical angles of medical issues like these.

To work as a bioethicist, you typically need a certificate, master's degree, or PhD in bioethics after completing your undergraduate degree. So you can build a solid foundation for an education in this field with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Jobs can be found in research, community education, public policy analysis, and other areas.

17. Mediator: $72K

Are you interested in helping opposing sides find common ground? Mediators facilitate discussions to resolve disputes. They don't represent specific sides in a disagreement, but instead focus on remaining neutral as they help both parties come to a resolution. As a philosophy graduate, your ability to examine all sides of an issue, combined with excellent people skills, can help you succeed. Some states require mediators to be certified.

18. Policy Analyst: $132K

Policy analysts work with politicians and other government officials to develop or revise public policies. They do this by analyzing a problem and recommending solutions. Data analysis and clear communication are some of the essential skills for this career that you can acquire by studying philosophy. Jobs in policy analysis often require interpreting complex laws, regulations, and policies, and envisioning solutions to a variety of issues.

19. Tech Ethicist: Salaries vary widely

What should an app developer do if a new app turns out to have a negative impact on face-to-face human interaction? Should we be allowed to edit babies' genes? How should a driverless car react if it has a choice between injuring the car's passenger or a group of pedestrians?

Questions like these don't have easy answers. And sometimes tech creators are so caught up in the excitement of new discoveries that they overlook the long-term moral implications of their inventions. Technology ethicists help the creators of new technology consider the ethical issues that progress can raise.

20. Philosopher: Salary depends on the position

Is becoming a philosopher a realistic job goal? The short answer is yes; you can be a philosopher. But you might have to be a little creative in how you get there. That's because jobs for "philosophers" outside of academia are very rare.

But recent years have seen a trend toward the creation of positions for in-house philosophers. For example, Google has a resident philosopher to help the company answer vital questions such as those related to defining the role that technology plays in our lives and determining what constitutes "truth" in search results.

If you're interested in a position like this, your best bet might to be to establish yourself in another role within a company, then introduce a philosophical component to your other job duties. (In other words, you likely won't find a job posting for a resident philosopher, so you may have to create your own position.)

Do Philosophy Grads Make Money? Surprising Salary Stats

That might contradict the stereotype of philosophy majors being unconcerned with worldly things like paychecks. So if you're skeptical that jobs for philosophy graduates can provide a decent salary, check out these facts:

• In 2023, philosophy was the highest-paying humanities major , with an average starting salary of $51,000.
• When it comes to comparing starting salaries to mid-career salaries, philosophy grads have a bigger increase in earnings than almost any other major. (They're tied with math graduates for the top position.)
• Philosophy ranks higher than majors like engineering and life sciences in terms of its return on investment (i.e., how much graduates earn compared to how much their schools spent educating them).

It's important to realize that these facts are based on people who majored in philosophy, not people who entered a specific occupation. As you now know, jobs for philosophy degree holders can be found in many career sectors. So, ultimately, as a philosophy major, your salary depends on which career you pursue. Nonetheless, if you have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy, jobs can be found that pay better than you might think.

Why Take Philosophy? The Valuable Skills You Can Learn

Consider the following highly sought-after skills that you can acquire while earning a philosophy degree:

• Analyzing complex concepts and ideas
• Examining all sides of an argument or problem and coming up with logical solutions
• Writing and speaking clearly and concisely
• Generating ideas for new ways to do things
• Interpreting abstract theories and ideas
• Accepting that there is often more than one solution to a problem and that a "right" answer may not exist
• Defending your own views without resorting to illogical arguments or personal attacks
• Applying frameworks to problems in creative ways
• Questioning commonly held beliefs

Those are powerful skills. However, let's face it: You may need to become good at self-promotion in order to sell them. That's because hiring managers don't always recognize the true value of an education in philosophy. They may wonder, "What can you do with a degree in philosophy that will actually help us make money?" Without a clear answer, they might quickly move past your resume.

So it's up to you to prove that you can do more than discuss Aristotle. For instance, when applying for jobs with "philosophy degree" on your resume, be sure to emphasize your strengths and transferable skills. (In a study sponsored by the Association of American Colleges & Universities , 93 percent of surveyed corporate leaders said that the ability to solve problems, think critically, and communicate effectively is more important than a job applicant's major. That means it's often more important to explain what you learned while pursuing your degree than to talk about the degree itself.)

Take Control of Your Future

Now you have some answers ready for those times when people ask, "What jobs can you get with a philosophy degree?" So start making plans to turn your dreams into reality. Short, career-oriented programs are often a good fit for students with a foundation in philosophy. They provide practical opportunities for learning how to put your skills to use in specific fields. Find convenient training near you by entering your zip code into the school finder at the top of the page!

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook . Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited June 18, 2024).

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wonderphilosophy

What can you do with a philosophy phd, the glorious path.

The “expected” career choice for philosophy, as it is for many humanities fields, is still the professorship. Professorship comes in different degrees of prestige, too. At the top of the ladder is someone who has job security (“tenure”, which is a status that makes it extremely difficult for a university to fire you) who works at a research-focused university (colloquially called an “R1”). More concretely, an R1 university for a philosopher is one where its philosophy department trains PhD students. There are also departments that only train master’s students. They may be at schools with comparably less research (sometimes referred to as “R2″s), but can also be at a large R1 who happens to have a small philosophy department.

Other than these, there are also universities that do no have graduate programs. They tend to be liberal arts colleges, or LACs (sometimes SLACs for small LACs or selective LACs). Another term you might encounter is PUIs, or primarily undergraduate institutions, which include both LACs and regional universities that grant 4-year degrees but do not have graduate students. One can also hold a tenured position at a community college (CC).

In general, professors at R1/R2s are expected to spend most of their time researching — publishing papers and attending conferences — and secondarily on supervising graduate students and doing administrative work. Most of them are not rewarded for undergraduate teaching. If you have had bad professors as an undergrad in a big research university, this might be why. In contrast, PUIs and CCs place a lot more emphasis on teaching.

Traditionally, the highest-regarded job is the tenured R1 professorship. Many graduate programs (especially prestigious ones) still assume that R1 is the obvious goal of their graduate students. Some academics still believe that choosing a teaching job (PUI or CC) over an R1 when one has the ability to pursue R1 is a waste of talent. Graduate students who find themselves enjoying teaching more than research often feel the need to hide this from others.

It is my impression that more programs are starting to recognize and respect the desire of philosophically talented students to pursue teaching careers. However, teaching jobs are very different from research jobs and, by definition, professors at graduate programs hold research jobs. Consequently, not all programs go out of their ways to provide students with adequate teaching training. If teaching is something you are seriously considering, it is worth some effort assessing the degree of openness and support a department has on this front.

The shadowy isles

Not all teaching staff has tenure. In fact, if you come from a big research university, chances are that some lower-level classes you took were taught by “adjuncts”. Adjuncts are teaching personnel who work on a contract basis. They hold PhDs just like tenured professors, but are often paid less than a fraction in salary, sometimes putting them below the poverty line. In fact, the “adjunctification of higher education” (the increased use of adjunct staff over full-time staff) is a huge social justice problem right now. If you are interested, just google “adjunct crisis”.

The problem (one of the many problems) adjuncts face is that, while most people take on adjunctship as a temporary financial solution in the search of the tenure track, many end up being stuck as adjuncts. This is because adjuncts often have to work extreme hours to keep financially afloat, leaving no time to build a competitive research profile.

Another form of temporary employment is the post doctoral fellowship (or “post-doc”). Post-docs differ vastly, with some offering great salary with no teaching duty and others being essentially the same as adjuncts.

According to the 2017 report by the Academic Placement Data and Analysis of “graduates between 2012 and 2016 … 36% are in permanent academic positions, 40% are in temporary academic positions”. In other words, being a professor in the way that your undergraduate professors are is far from guaranteed by a PhD from even the best programs. In fact, it is perhaps more rational to approach the “should I pursue a PhD?” question with the assumption of not able to land a professorship.

The rest of the world

What about the world outside of academia? The situation is similar to that of teaching jobs, except many times more extreme. That is, many academics still consider jobs outside of academia (also known as “industry” jobs) as a sign of professional failure and last resort. Students who have such aspirations often have to hide them from their departments, as departments sometimes withhold resources, intentionally or not, from students who are “wasting talent and education” by not pursuing academic jobs. In general, alternative to academia (or “alt-ac”) career path is still a delicate issue.

I believe the situation is improving, if only slowly. Graduate students, including some of the founders of wonderphilosophy, are calling attention to alt-ac acceptance and support. I know of a number of professors who are supportive of alt-ac. Nevertheless, since successful academics tend to be life-long academics, it is difficult for them to provide alt-ac support. I believe the APDA (mentioned above) is trying to contribute in that direction.

If alt-ac is something you’d like to consider, it is also important to assess the general attitude a department holds in this regard. Alt-ac attitude is, in my experience, easier to assess than teaching attitude, since academics tend to be less apologetic at declaring their contempt (if they do hold it) towards industry jobs than towards teaching.

And the chaos in between

Many things can happen during the 5, 6, 7 years it takes (Note: do not go to a program whose normative time to degree is more than 6 years) for you to complete a PhD. It is probably unwise to plan to stick to one plan.

Still, PhD training is, at the core of it, a professional training . It trains you for a specific profession, and all statistics show that this specific professional demand does not meet the trained supply, and PhD training has been slow to adapt to this fact. While I certainly think it’s not true to claim (as some do) that graduate training in philosophy is a “waste of time” if you do not go into professional philosophy, I think it’s wise to keep your eyes, minds, and options open during the entirety of this process.

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• What can you do with a philosophy PhD?
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