Philosophy


The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and a BGS, as well as a MA, a MA/JD, and a PhD in Philosophy. The critical aspect of philosophy involves posing difficult and probing questions about various truth claims. The constructive aspect of philosophy involves developing an accurate and productive picture of reality. The hope of philosophy is to understand ourselves, our world, our values, and the entirety of existence around us.

Philosophy Department website

Sample of Related Skills

  • Demonstrate an ability to recognize views that oppose the ones for which they are arguing and to evaluate them in light of the positions they are holding  
  • Integrate diverse views in developing their positions on an issue 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the basic concepts of logic  
  • Understand the core issues of philosophy and its history  
  • Think clearly, critically, creatively, and independently  

Popular Career Paths

Politics/Public Policy: This is a very broad career path that offers you a variety of options within the field including public policy, elected or appointment official, campaign management, and staff administration. Strong personal and communication skills are necessary for this career path.

Law: The skills learned within this major like logical and critical thinking and the writing abilities gained offers a great path into the law profession. There is a variety of options within the profession including public defender, criminal defense, corporate law and many more.

Education: Offers you the ability to educate, research, and advise in all levels of education. Research and communication skills are very important to this career path.

Journalism: The ability to express yourself into a form of entertainment for knowledge seekers in several different categories including sports, news, fashion, and many more. Also, publishing is a huge aspect of this career path.

Religion: The skills attained from a philosophy major is a great path into religion. Further education within this profession is required and prepares you for this career path much more extensively. Clergy member and church administration are two of the most common professions within the career.

Business/Public Relations: Many businesses need help within the area of public relations which is all about their image and how they are viewed from the public’s point of view. Written and analytical skills are very important within this career path.

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

  • Churches
  • Corporate Businesses
  • District Attorneys
  • Federal, state, & local
  • government agencies
  • Law Firms
  • Middle/High Schools
  • Newspapers/Magazines
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Political Campaigns
  • Political Interest Groups
  • Political Parties
  • Prisons
  • Private & Public Universities
  • Public Relations Firms
  • Publishing Companies
  • Religious Based Universities
  • Research Institutions

Explore More Career Resources

Academic Employment Network - Offers you the ability to create a job search on your guidelines within the academic profession 

American Academy of Religion Career Services - Contains job postings, networking opportunities, employment trends and additional career resources for individuals seeking employment in field of religion (does require membership to access job postings) 

American Society for Bioethics and Humanities - Several internship and job listings available within this site that offers many possibilities for philosophy majors 

Association for Practical and Professional Ethics - Several ways to get involved within this organization including job postings, study and grant opportunities, and fellowships 

Cato Institute - The Cato Institute offers internships and job opportunities and the information on how to apply for these positions 

Chronicle of Higher Education - A job site specifically aimed towards higher education where you can create a search based on your requirements 

The Chronicle of Philanthropy - Job search website specifically designed for nonprofit businesses and organizations 

Government & Non-Profit Resources - more resources from career.ku.edu  

American Philosophical Association - Offers several different links to associations and societies related to philosophy as well as journals related to the field