CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
PHILOSOPHY MAJORS
SKILLS & ABILITIES OF THE PHILOSPHY MAJOR











Oral Communica on Skills
Wri en Communica on Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Proficiency in Field of Study
Demonstrated Teamwork
Leadership Abili es
Flexibility
Analy cal Skills
Ability to Persuade
Problem Solving Skills
Decision‐Making Abili es









Ini a ve
Goal Orienta on
Nego a on Skills
Ability to Synthesize
Crea vity
Organiza onal Skills
Presenta on Skills
Computer Skills
Cri cal Thinking Skills
POTENTIAL CAREERS






















Trial Lawyers
Criminal Law
Government A orneys
Law Clerks
Academic Counselor
Case Management Aide
Drug Abuse Counselor
Gerontology Aide
Mental Health Technician
Social Worker
Spiritual Counselor
Lobbyist
College Professor
Account Execu ve
Adver sing Director
Art Buyer
Urban and Regional Planner
Copyeditor/Copywriter
Teacher
Events Coordinator
Human Resources Manager
Media Planner


















Producer
Publicist
Market Researcher
Sales Representa ve
Columnist
Clergy
Journalist/Reporter
Publisher
Museum Curator
Filmmaker
Librarians
Newscaster
Produc on Assistant
Scriptwriter
Psychologist
Archivist
Communica ons Consultant
Government Rela ons
*Some of the potenƟal careers may require
post graduate educaƟon
*Taken from Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (Camenson)
TYPES OF EMPLOYERS




State Government
Local Government
Individual/Family Services
Voca onal Rehabilita on
Services
 Elementary/Secondary Schools
 Colleges and Universi es
 Adver sing Agencies







Marke ng Firms
Corporate Adver sing
Departments
Publishing Companies
Bookstores
Vaca on Resorts
Chambers of Commerce
Radio and TV Sta ons








Literary Agencies
Nonprofit Organiza ons
Wri ng/Edi ng Firms
Hospitals
Military Bases
Peace Corps
Prisons, Jails
Recrea onal Centers
*Taken from Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors (Camenson) 2008
TOP 10 OCCUPATIONS EMPLOYING PERSONS WITH A
BACHELORS IN PHILOSOPHY
Clergy, other religious workers
Top and mid‐level managers, execu ves, administrators
Ar sts, broadcasters, writers, editors, entertainers, public rela ons
Insurance, securi es, real estate, business services
Sales occupa ons, including retail
Construc on, trades, miners, well drillers
Secretaries, recep onists, typists
Other management‐related occupa ons
Other administra ve (e.g. records clerk, telephone operators)
Personnel, training, and labor rela ons specialists
29.6%
10.4%
4.7%
4.5%
4.2%
3.2%
2.7%
2.7%
2.4%
2.3%
POST GRADUATION ACTIVITES




About 52% proceed to earn a post‐graduate degree.
About 55% of the master’s degrees are earned in philosophy.
About 14% of the master’s degrees are earned in the field of educa on.
About 9% of the master’s degrees are earned in the field of psychology.
*Taken from The College Majors Handbook (Fogg, Harrington, & Harrington) 2004
RELATED BOOKS IN THE CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARY (CLC 530)





Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career
Keys to Liberal Arts Success
Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates
Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors
Careers for Scholars and Other Deep Thinkers