Major Discovery Series
Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy
Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy/Religious Studies
Minor: Philosophy
Philosophy is concerned with the basic aspects of the human experience-understanding reality, clarifying the nature of
interactions between individuals and society, and coming to terms with the problems of existence and ultimate values.
Philosophers apply critical thinking to questions of values and beliefs and their rational defense. They help individuals
make sense of their world in scientific, evaluative, and practical terms. Study in philosophy develops skills in critical
thinking, communication, and analysis. A philosophy major is ideal for students who wish to pursue entrance into graduate
programs or law school, and/or careers in public affairs, theology, business, education, and media. Employers
recommend one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.
Holland career themes associated with Philosophy
Artistic, Investigative, and Enterprising
Skills associated with the Philosophy major1
 Ability to formulate and defend positions
 Ability to make observations, evaluations, and make
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appropriate decisions
Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing,
speaking, and analytical reasoning
Ability to organize, conduct and clearly explain
research
Ability to summarize ideas and material
Ability to analyze, interpret and convey
information to others
Strong listening, clarifying, questioning, and
responding skills
Common interests of Philosophy majors1
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Participating on a debate team
Playing word games and games of strategy
Visiting libraries and attending lectures
Listening to radio talk shows
Participating in political rally or campaigns
For more information about the major
Contact the Philosophy Department, 315 Old Main,
610-683-4230, or visit www.kutztown.edu/Philosophy
KU Majors related to Philosophy
Related courses Philosophy majors typically enjoy1
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English
History
Humanities
Literature
Psychology
Sociology
Theology
1 Source:
Phifer, P. College Majors and Careers. New York: Ferguson
English, Political Science, History, Mathematics,
Music, and Physics
Artistic students may also be interested in:
Advertising*, Art Education, Communication Design,
Communication Studies, Crafts, Electronic Media,
Elementary Education, German Studies,
International Studies*, Library Science, Literature*,
Music Education, Public Relations*, Secondary
Education, Spanish, Studio Art.
*minor only
For More Information on Philosophy Careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact
KU Career Development Center • 113 Stratton Administration Center • 610-683-4067 • careerhelp@kutztown.edu • www.kutztown.edu/careercenter
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 Attend your senior kick-off and
other info sessions to prepare
for job search/grad school.
 Enroll in the Career Success
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Update your resume and
Certificate.
LinkedIn profile.
 Complete an internship and/or
 Meet with CDC career
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Create cover letter drafts.
undergraduate
research.
coach.
Enroll in the Career
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Gain experience through
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Attend
info
sessions
about
 Attend info sessions to learn
Exploration Certificate.
internships and/or
internships,
interviewing,
job
about resume writing, and
Attend info sessions to learn
undergraduate research.
search strategies, and grad
externships.
about career development
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Secure references for job/grad
school.
 Confirm your choice of major
and personal branding.
school applications.
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Build
a
LinkedIn
profile
and
and consider options for
Take a career assessment to
continue to monitor your online  Create your “30 second”
double
major
or
minor.
identify and confirm interests.
commercial.
presence.
 Research careers of interest.
Get involved in campus clubs
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Meet with CDC to develop
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Complete
a
mock
interview.
 Complete a job shadowing
and organizations.
job search strategies.
 Build skills through research
(externship) experience.
Develop basic workplace skills
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Research employers.
projects,
part-time
employment,
through jobs or volunteer work.  Seek meaningful employand
volunteer
work.
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Network with professionals
ment or volunteer work in a
Talk with professors, family,
through events and social
 Participate in Coffee and
field
related
to
your
major.
and friends about career
media.
Convos & networking programs.

Explore
options
for
underideas.
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Join a professional organization
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Attend
internship
&
job
fairs.
graduate research and
Conduct informational
in your discipline.
 Take on a leadership role in a
study abroad.
interviews with professionals
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Attend the senior etiquette
student
organization
or
work.
 Write a resume and have it
working in fields of interest.
dinner.

Consider
graduate
school
reviewed
by
the
CDC.
Develop a relationship with
 Participate in job fairs and
options
and
prepare
for

Manage
your
online
your professors and faculty
on-campus interviewing.
admissions tests.
presence.
advisor.
Sample Career Titles
Philosophy majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be
of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training.
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Announcer
Arts Consultant
Author
Business Administrator
Buyer
Campus Religious Coordinator
Church Camp Director
Claims Adjuster
Clergy
Consultant
Counselor
Credit Analyst
Critic
Customer Service Representative
Denominational Executive
Diplomat
Director of Religious Education
Editor
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Employment Interviewer
Financial Consultant
Fundraiser
Guidance Counselor
Hospital Administrator
Insurance Underwriter
Journalist
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Management Trainee
Marketing Research Analyst
Missionary
News writer
Nursing Home Director
Paralegal
Pastor
PEACE Corps Volunteer
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Producer/Director
Professor
Psychologist
Public Policy Manager
Public Relations Representative
Public Service Official
Religious Bookstore Owner
Religious Education Teacher
Religious Researcher
Religious Staff Writer
Research Assistant
Sales Representative
Salvation Army Worker
Social Worker
Systems Analyst
Technical Writer
YMCA/YWCA Worker
To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco.
Common Internship Sites and Employers
Philosophy majors often find internships and employment in the following industries:
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Consulting Firms
State/Federal Government
Colleges/Universities
Religious Associations
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Publishing/Media Companies
Hospitals
Non-Profit Organizations
Business & Industry
KU Career Network is the primary online resource
for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers.
www.kutztown.edu/KUCN
Useful Websites for Philosophy Majors
Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join
a professional association, these websites are for you!
Industry Information and Job/Internship
Search Sites
O*NET Online
www.onetonline.org
Occupational Outlook Handbook
www.bls.gov/ocoml
Professional Associations
American Philosophical Association
www.apaonline.org
American Philosophical Society
www.amphilsoc.org
Internships.com
www.internships.com
The Society for the Advancement
of American Philosophy
www.american-philosophy.org
Internet Nonprofit Center
www.nonprofits.org
Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy
www.smrphil.org
Idealist: The Non-Profit Career Center
www.idealist.org
American Council of Learned Societies
www.acls.org
Career Handbook for Philosophy Majors
http://web.phil.ufl.edu/ugrad.ugcrhbk
Association for Symbolic Logic
www.aslonline.org
Philosophy Now
www.philosophynow.org
American Society for Aesthetics
www.aesthetics-online.org
Philosophical Gourmet Report
www.philosophicalgourmet.com
Episteme Links
www.epistemelinks.com
Philosophy Pages
www.philosophypages.com
Building Your Resume for a Career in Philosophy
Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates
who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge to real life situations.
Take note of the
skills and knowledge
obtained through
your educational
background and
hands-on
experiences.
Highlight
transferable skills
such as fluency and
technological
proficiencies.
Learn more about
your field and
develop the
necessary skills for
employment by
gaining hands-on
experience through
externships,
internships, research,
part-time jobs and
related volunteer
positions.
Develop
professionally
through campus
involvement and
professional
memberships.
This illustrates
responsibility,
leadership abilities
and time
management skills.