Department of Philosophy

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is your gateway to mastering methodical inquiry into the nature, purpose, meaning and value of human life — skills that transform you into an ethical leader capable of navigating complex challenges across any field. Our department excels in applied philosophical inquiry, where rigorous thinking connects with real-world impact through community-engaged research that creates meaningful change. Through deep exploration of leading thinkers past and present, you'll develop creative solutions to longstanding problems while building the collaborative problem-solving abilities and ethical reasoning that employers consistently value. 

Our students engage in philosophy that matters — serving on hospital ethics committees, consulting with governments and organizations, and helping communities think more clearly about reaching their goals and living their best lives. Here, your curiosity about fundamental questions transforms into the analytical excellence and ethical wisdom that drives innovation, shapes policy and builds more thoughtful communities.

Career Prospects

Where Critical Thinking Becomes Your Competitive Edge

Transform your passion for understanding fundamental questions into a career that shapes decisions across every industry. Philosophy graduates don't just think deeply—they become the analytical leaders, ethical advisors and strategic problem-solvers our complex world demands. With 99% employment rates and 103.5% salary growth from entry to mid-career, your philosophical training becomes your most valuable professional asset.

Law and Legal Services 

Salary Range: $50,000-$215,000

Apply rigorous reasoning skills to advocate for justice and navigate complex legal systems. Your training in argument analysis and logical thinking positions you perfectly for legal careers where analytical precision is essential.

Career Opportunities:

• Attorney practicing civil rights and constitutional law
• Legal Research Specialist analyzing case precedents
• Paralegal supporting complex litigation teams
• Court Administrator managing judicial processes
• Legislative Assistant crafting policy language
• Contract Analyst reviewing complex agreements
• Mediator facilitating dispute resolution

Education and Academia 

Salary Range: $46,526-$177,675
Shape minds and advance knowledge through careers that value deep thinking and clear communication. Your ability to break down complex ideas makes you an exceptional educator at any level.

Career Opportunities:

• High School Teacher inspiring critical thinking
• Philosophy Professor conducting original research
• Academic Administrator shaping educational policy
• Curriculum Developer designing learning experiences
• Educational Consultant improving teaching methods
• Study Abroad Coordinator facilitating global learning
• Academic Researcher exploring philosophical questions

Business and Strategic Leadership 

Salary Range: $66,921-$287,784
Lead organizations through your unique ability to analyze complex problems and communicate solutions clearly. Your philosophical background provides the strategic thinking framework that drives business success.

Career Opportunities:

• Management Consultant solving organizational challenges
• Business Analyst optimizing company operations
• Corporate Ethics Officer ensuring responsible practices
• Strategic Planning Director guiding company vision
• Human Resources Manager building workplace culture
• Executive Leadership roles (twice as likely as other majors)
• Marketing Manager crafting compelling narratives

Government and Public Policy 

Salary Range: $45,777-$140,000
Serve the public through careers that demand the analytical rigor and ethical reasoning your education provides. Your training becomes essential for evidence-based policy development.

Career Opportunities:

• Policy Analyst researching legislative solutions
• Foreign Service Officer representing national interests
• Federal Program Manager overseeing public initiatives
• Think Tank Researcher influencing public discourse
• Grant Writer securing funding for vital programs
• Intelligence Analyst providing strategic assessments
• Legislative Research Specialist supporting lawmakers

Technology and Ethics Innovation 

Salary Range: $81,480-$244,440
Pioneer the future of responsible technology through your understanding of ethical frameworks and logical analysis. Your skills become crucial as society grapples with AI and digital transformation.

Career Opportunities:

• AI Ethics Specialist ensuring responsible technology development
• UX Researcher understanding human-computer interaction
• Technology Policy Advisor shaping regulatory frameworks
• Data Privacy Consultant protecting individual rights
• Algorithm Bias Auditor ensuring fair automated systems
• Digital Rights Advocate protecting online freedoms
• Tech Industry Ethicist guiding corporate responsibility

Healthcare and Bioethics 

Salary Range: $63,457-$131,277
Apply ethical reasoning to life-and-death decisions in healthcare settings. Your philosophical training provides the framework for navigating complex medical and research challenges.

Career Opportunities:

• Clinical Ethicist advising on patient care decisions
• Bioethics Researcher exploring medical ethics questions
• Healthcare Policy Analyst improving health systems
• Medical Ethics Consultant guiding hospital committees
• Research Ethics Coordinator overseeing human subjects research
• Health Technology Assessment Specialist evaluating new treatments
• Pharmaceutical Ethics Advisor ensuring responsible drug development

Media and Communications 

Salary Range: $45,000-$120,000
Communicate complex ideas clearly through your exceptional writing and analytical skills. Your ability to construct logical arguments becomes essential for authentic storytelling.

Career Opportunities:

• Journalist investigating important social issues
• Content Strategist developing compelling narratives
• Public Relations Specialist managing organizational communications
• Grant Writer securing funding for meaningful causes
• Technical Writer explaining complex concepts clearly
• Documentary Producer exploring philosophical themes
• Media Critic analyzing contemporary culture and ideas

Your Journey of Intellectual Leadership Awaits

Every path in Philosophy connects your love of deep thinking with the power to influence important decisions. Whether you're drawn to the $215,000 potential in top law firms, the intellectual rewards of academic research or the emerging $244,440 opportunities in AI ethics, your degree provides the foundation for careers that matter. With the highest salary growth of any major, 158 average LSAT scores and employers desperately seeking the critical thinking skills you'll master, your investment in Philosophy becomes your gateway to both intellectual fulfillment and exceptional professional success that grows stronger with every complex challenge you solve.