Graduate School Options for Philosophy Majors

Majoring in philosophy isn't exactly the same as getting a professional degree such as accounting or nursing. That said, your liberal arts degree can still land you a prime spot in a graduate school program. While not every master's-level program will accept a philosophy degree, you'll find several master's programs that are academically appropriate for philosophy majors.
  1. Philosophy

    • The most obvious graduate school option for a philosophy major is to continue on in the subject. It is possible to earn a living with a philosophy degree. Although your job options are limited with a bachelor's, getting an advanced degree -- typically a Ph.D. -- allows you to teach at the university level. If you only have plans to get a master's degree, Seattle Pacific University's department of philosophy notes that although there are plenty of terminal master's programs, many are actually part of a Ph.D. curriculum.

    Law School

    • Consider using your philosophy major as a starting point for law school. During your undergraduate studies in philosophy, you will develop critical thinking skills and mental reasoning abilities that lend themselves to law practice. Law school requires the strong analytical ability and logical argument skills that a philosophy major gives you. Additionally, most law schools don't have a specific major requirement or prerequisite for entry. For example, the University of Pittsburgh's J.D. program requires a bachelor's degree in any area -- with philosophy being completely acceptable -- for admissions.

    Medical School

    • While the majority of medical school applicants have a strong science background, some of these professional graduate programs will actually seek out non-science majors. This isn't to say that you can skip the sciences, but rather that you can still apply to med school with this esoteric degree. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's philosophy department notes that this major is often flexible enough to add in plenty of science courses while still completing the degree. You can use the critical thinking skills that a philosophy degree builds, as well as the ability to address ethical arguments, during your med school education and into your future career.

    Religious Studies

    • A graduate course in religious studies typically requires a philosophical eye, pondering the existence of a higher power and other similar facets of this field. Some schools may even lump philosophy and religion together into one department, keeping them closely related when it comes to degrees and curricula. Having an undergraduate degree in philosophy is an appropriate match for a graduate program in religion, comparative religions or religious studies. Another option is a master's of divinity program. This type of graduate degree leads to a career as a minister or other religious leader.

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