A person who earns a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy possesses a strong liberal arts background and the ability to think critically and clearly. While some philosophy graduates go directly into careers in government or business, many do graduate work in fields as diverse as law, computer science, education, history, English or theology. In philosophy itself, job opportunities are for the most part confined to teaching in a college or university, and this would usually require a doctorate.

Nonprofit organizations
Organizations serving the arts
Social service organizations
Public interest research groups
Libraries
Mental health organizations
Local churches/synagogues
District, jurisdictional, national and world divisions
of denominations
Religious affiliated schools, colleges and
universities
Local, national and international mission field
Religious organizations
Colleges and universities
Adult education programs
Vocational-Technical educational programs
Professional or graduate schools including medical
Government agencies
Insurance companies
Publishers
Political organizations
Public interest research groups
Federal, state and local government
Federal agencies including Office of Personnel
Management
Commission on Civil Rights
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Energy
Federal Communications Commission
Foreign Service
Federal Municipal Archives
National and State Endowments for the Humanities
Service organizations
Research organizations
Health science funding agencies
Medical and professional schools
Environmental agencies
Travel agencies
Magazine and newspaper companies
Professional/Trade associations
Advertising agencies/departments
Business firms
Bookstores
Marketing research departments/organizations
Museums
Real estate companies

Philosophy is an excellent preparation for graduate work in law, medicine, business and other professional schools. Student may also work toward a graduate degree in philosophy.

Summer, volunteer, or part time work in human services, business, or governmental agencies, independent study with a faculty member, and involvement in student organizations pertinent to individual interest areas.

Philosophy students develop many functional skills which can be transferred from one career/job to another and provide flexibility and capacity for growth that employers find valuable.

These skills include analytical, organizational, research, and oral and written communication, and the ability to generate ideas, formulate and solve problems, integrate diverse data, construct useful analogies, adapt to change, elicit hidden assumptions, persuade people and summarize complicated material.

Undergraduate degree qualifies for entry-level positions in business, nonprofit organizations, and government. Graduate studies usually lead to careers in law, ministry, finance, psychology, counseling, diplomacy, and related areas. The Ph.D. is required for college/university teaching and research.

Concentrations with other areas can include: Philosophy and mathematics, religion, physical, biological or behavioral science, computer science, history, women’s studies, and applied ethics.

Students develop aptitudes for analytical thinking, logic and statistics in order to apply philosophy to a broad range of professions such as: law, government, finance, management consulting, and related areas.

Majors are encouraged to join related student or professional organizations and seek related summer or part-time work experience or internships in area(s) of interest.

Learn about courses, electives, and requirements.

Department of Philosophy
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
P. O. Box 43770
Lafayette, LA 70504-3770

Office located in H. L. Griffin, Room 560
Phone: (337) 482-5401
Fax: (337) 482-5002
Email: philosophy@louisiana.edu

Web Site: http://www.louisiana.edu/Academic/LiberalArts/PHIL/WhyStudyPhilosophy.html/