Is a Philosophy Degree in the US Right For You?
While you may already have an idea of what you want to study, you may be wondering if a philosophy degree in the US is the right choice for you. Historically, Asian and European nations have more tradition in philosophy than the US does. International students may already have a strong understanding of what philosophy is before attending college, but the US system may be foreign to them. If this is your situation, here are some tips to help you choose a university program and achieve your goal.
Coursework
Students pursuing a degree in philosophy study different aspects of the human experience. While in school, they will engage in philosophical debates about the best ways to live, the nature of reality, and the existence of God. Students will also learn the foundations of mathematical logic and the nature of sound deductive arguments. Students will collaborate with professors to research and write about compelling topics. They can publish their work in undergraduate research journals. They are also encouraged to take courses outside of their major.
Students completing a philosophy degree will learn about various historical and modern ideologies and how these have shaped the modern world. Course assignments will draw from classic works of philosophy such as Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Politics, and Hobbes’s Leviathan. Moreover, students will also read Locke’s Second Treatise on Government and Marx’s Communist Manifesto. A third course will look at Asian American studies and how they influence the way people live their lives.
A minor in philosophy can complement other studies. It can be beneficial for students wishing to pursue careers in law or medicine. Students can utilize their philosophy coursework to learn about Eastern thinkers’ philosophies. A philosophy degree will also provide students with the opportunity to develop their writing skills. Further, students can use their philosophy degree to enhance their professional networks. It is important to note that a philosophy degree is not required to become a doctor or lawyer.
Students interested in pursuing a degree in philosophy should consult the Academic Program Guide. The Guide outlines the overall requirements for a philosophy major and helps students plan their degree. Students may choose to stay in their general philosophy concentration for the entire duration of their undergraduate studies, or they may choose to complete a nine-credit senior thesis. This nine-credit research project is usually completed during their senior year. The research will culminate in a defense in front of the program’s faculty. The thesis also includes three one-on-one tutorials with a philosophy faculty member. There are also 50 credits of free electives available to students.
Graduates who are highly qualified may opt to pursue a course of study designed to lead to honors in the major. Those interested in this option should visit the Department of Philosophy’s website or contact the director of undergraduate studies for further details. Once the BA program is complete, students can earn an M.A. in philosophy. They will complete their degree at a university that offers a master’s degree in philosophy. It is also important to note that students who complete an MA degree in philosophy have the opportunity to write a senior paper.
Career paths
While there are several career paths you can pursue with a Philosophy degree, many of them are related to philosophy. Philosophy majors are often attracted to public policy making because of its high demand for analytical and critical thinking skills. While being able to analyze numerical data can be useful for policy making, a strong background in problem analysis is equally important. During coursework, philosophy majors are required to conduct problem analysis to develop their own analytical methods. There are many opportunities for policy-making, from numerous governmental positions to university administrative positions.
If you’re interested in working as a lawyer, philosophy graduates are very well-prepared for the LSAT. Besides arguing in various types of cases, lawyers also apply their philosophical skills to courtroom cases. A philosophy teacher can help students understand how to think critically and research philosophical ideas. This profession is highly valued in many circles, and many philosophy graduates find it difficult to choose just one career path. While it is possible to become a lawyer without a Philosophy degree, you should be aware of your potential limitations in a career.
Another option for a philosophy major is to become a project manager. In this position, you would oversee a range of projects and work for different companies. The skills required for successful project management include critical thinking and problem-solving. You must be able to interact with different types of people and understand their diverse needs. In addition, you will also need strong communication skills. Finally, you would also need to identify your transferable skills. Thankfully, most of these skills are transferable.
In addition to teaching, you can also work in a variety of sectors. Many philosophy graduates find work as teaching assistants. This role requires excellent interaction skills, as well as an understanding of the academic environment. Other job opportunities include writing and distributing lecture materials, managing class meetings, and supervising students. If you are interested in teaching or working in the public sector, a philosophy degree can help you land your dream job. If you are a history major, a philosophy degree is a great choice for a career in teaching.
Transferable skills
If you’re interested in getting your dream job, a philosophy degree may be just what you need. Whether you want to work in academia or begin a career in the business world, you can apply your skills to a variety of careers. Most majors offer transferable skills, but you will need to narrow down your experience and provide specific examples to prove that your skills are transferable. Thankfully, most of the skills you’ll learn as a philosophy major can be applied to many different fields. The following are some examples of transferable skills you’ll develop during your time at university:
Critical thinking is another of the skills students gain while studying philosophy. Students learn to think critically, breaking down concepts and applying various approaches to problem-solving. This skill will be useful in any career, as it will enhance the likelihood of a person buying their idea or solution. The skills you develop during your studies will also help you to formulate questions relevant to your career goals. And because you’ll be thinking critically about various topics, you’ll be better able to articulate the arguments you make in order to achieve your goals.
Depending on your interests, philosophy majors can also use their analytical skills in the workplace. A philosophy degree will equip you with the tools needed to effectively conduct research, analyze data, and write persuasively. These skills can be transferable to a variety of industries, including law, business, PR, communications, publishing, and journalism. As an added bonus, they can help you advance in your career as well. So, if you’re interested in the study of philosophy and have a passion for ethics, you can go into a career in marketing.
Another of the transferable skills that philosophy majors develop is the ability to analyze information. While studying philosophy, students develop sophisticated textual and logical analysis skills, and they develop strong communication skills as well. In addition, they also develop self-directed work habits. Often, philosophy majors must put in long hours studying on their own, and they must commit to intensive inquiry and analysis. Furthermore, they are generally highly adaptable, which will benefit them in all kinds of careers.
GRE score
A new study shows that the GRE scores of philosophy majors outperform those of other majors. The reason for this is that philosophy majors generally perform better on the test than other majors. The researchers looked at test score data from the past few years to determine the reasons behind this. Students who major in philosophy tend to have the highest GRE scores. Below is an overview of the correlation between GRE score and philosophy major.
A high GRE score is not an absolute requirement for admission to graduate school. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers an applicant’s GRE score and GPA when making the decision whether to admit them to the school. However, this school recognizes that a gifted philosopher may not score well on a multiple choice exam. Consequently, they give considerable weight to other factors such as writing sample, GPA, and letters of recommendation.
A good personal statement should outline your academic background and interests in philosophy. It should explain why you chose graduate study at Baylor and your personal circumstances. If possible, you can attach a ten to fifteen-page writing sample to your online application. A strong statement should reflect the seriousness with which you wish to pursue the degree. Your statement should be written in a compelling manner, and should be evidence of considerable research. It should also demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in philosophy.
For Fall 2021 graduate admissions, the University of Texas at Austin has a minimum GRE score requirement of 1300 (or 315 for non-native English speakers). A 5.0 score is also required for admission. The GRE is a time-consuming and expensive undertaking. Consequently, this reduction in the GRE requirement will help many lower-income applicants, as well as those whose lives were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, feel more at ease.
Besides demonstrating an interest in the subject, students from philosophy often excel on standardized tests. They perform best on the analytical and verbal portions of the GRE. In addition to this, they tend to do better on the LSAT than students from any other major. The average LSAT score of philosophy majors is 157. On the GMAT, they are second only to physics majors in terms of GMAT scores. They consistently have higher scores than business majors.
