While a life of the mind may sound appealing, for many students, a life that includes food, clothing, and shelter may also be appealing. So, naturally the question arises “What can I do with a degree in philosophy?”
A major or double major in philosophy is a great way to prepare for a number of graduate and professional programs. Students that may be thinking of going into law or business or pursuing a graduate degree generally outperform most other disciplines on standardized entrance exams.
Graduate School
Graduates from YSU have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in philosophy as well as in other disciplines. Philosophy majors have some of the highest scores on the Graduate Record Exam. Students from our program have pursued advanced degrees in Philosophy, Sociology, Biology, and Education at schools such at the University of Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, and the University of Iowa, Harvard, and the University. of Chicago.
Law School
Philosophy is one of the best majors for those considering a career in law. Philosophy majors attain some of the highest scores on the LSAT. Graduates of our program have pursued degrees in law from The University of Akron, Cleveland State, Ohio State University, and Yale. Many of these students also choose to double major in Pre-Law.
Business School
Philosophy students score very high on the business school entrance exam. They are well represented in the ranks of successful entrepreneurs. As one of these individuals noted: “I think if you have a good background in what it is to be human, an understanding of life, culture and society, it gives you a good perspective on starting a business, instead of an education purely in business,” – Stewart Butterfield, Co-Founder of Flickr
Common Misconception
There is a common misperception that graduates in philosophy are not employable. On the contrary, according to PayScale.com graduates in philosophy have the highest mid-career salaries of any majors outside engineering and the sciences. The average salary of someone with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy is $72,000 per year. Philosophy majors that do not pursue advanced or professional degrees go on to have successful careers in a number of areas including:
Marketing
Project Management
Ministry
Counseling
Program Manager, Non-Profit Organizations
Government
Data Analyst
For more information about declaring a major or minor in philosophy please contact Ms. Rosá Vega