Career Opportunities for Majors in Philosophy

Introduction: Philosophy seeks answers to such fundamental questions as: What is ultimately real? What is the nature and extent of our knowledge? What is the source and nature of our moral obligations? Students majoring in Philosophy explore these types of questions and develop answers that can be defended in the arena of reasoned controversy. Philosophy covers many areas of the human experience, including the study of reality, existence, logic, and moral and social issues. Philosophy graduates pursue careers in business, education, government, and the Nonprofit sector. Future career options may be determined not so much by the choice of the philosophy major, but by your interests, skills, values, and types of work experiences acquired during college. Regardless of your career aspirations, increase your marketability to employers through internships, related work experience, good grades, advanced coursework, and involvement in campus activities. Many careers do not require a specific major, but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills, accomplishments, and work experience while in school.

A Sample of Related Occupations

• Admissions Counselor
• Employee Relations Specialist
• Paralegal
• Advertising Account Executive
• FBI/CIA Agent
• Personnel Recruiter
• Attorney
• Financial Planner
• Professor/Educator
• Business Manager
• Foreign Service Officer
• Psychologist
• Child Welfare Worker
• Fundraiser
• Public Information Officer
• Claims Examiner
• Government Agency Administrator
• Public Policy Specialist
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Hospital Administrator
• Public Relations Specialist
• Consultant
• Human Resources Specialist
• Public Service Official
• Consumer Advocate
• Insurance Agent/Broker
• Publications Specialist
• Copy Writer
• Investment Counselor
• Realtor
• Corporate Trainer
• Journalist
• Religious Leader
• Corrections Officer
• Lawyer
• Sales/Marketing Representative
• Counselor
• Lobbyist
• Social Worker
• Customer Relations Representative
• Market Researcher
• Travel Consultant
• Editor/Writer
• Nonprofit Administrator
• Youth Counselor

Types of Employers

Private & Nonprofit Organizations

• Advertising Agencies
• Law Firms
• Personnel Agencies
• Consumer Organizations
• Libraries
• Professional Associations
• Cultural Organizations
• Magazines/Newspapers
• Public Relations Firms
• Entertainment Firms
• Management/Consulting Firms
• Publishing Firms
• Foundations
• Manufacturing Firms
• Retail Stores
• Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts
• Media Organizations
• Universities
• Insurance Companies
• Museum, Historical Societies

Government Agencies

• Central Intelligence Agency
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Peace Corps
• Civil Rights Commission
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Smithsonian Institution
• Consumer Affairs Office
• Federal/State Congressional Offices
• U.S. Customs Service
• Criminal Courts
• Foreign Service
• U.S. Information Agency
• Department of Labor
• Legislative Affairs
• Voice of America
• Division of Youth and Family Services http://careerservices.rudgers.edu/mh/philosophy