A few philosophy majors go on to teach philosophy. Many more use philosophy to prepare for other areas, like law, medicine, administration, or journalism. Philosophy majors learn to think rigorously about fundamental questions, understand and evaluate conflicting points of view, express ideas clearly and logically, and reason in a careful way; these skills are useful in almost any career.

Many students pick philosophy as a second major. Your first major likely raises questions about values or methodology that philosophy can explore; so philosophy can deepen and broaden your first major. It also can enhance your intellectual skills -- to question, think seriously, and speak clearly. So a second major in philosophy can help prepare you for a profession in your first field, or for graduate school.

Check out our career-links for philosophy majors.