Career Paths for Philosophy Majors

Merrimack philosophy graduates can be found working in a number of professions, including:

• lawyers, doctors, professors, political advisors, policy makers, computer scientists, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, social workers, nonprofit organization directors, historians, authors, business professionals, mental health professionals and more.

Why major in philosophy?

• You will develop valuable and useful problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking skills. 
• You are more apt to excel on advanced standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT.
• You will have the opportunity to pursue degrees in other disciplines in the liberal arts, business, and sciences if you would like. Our department encourages and supports philosophy majors’ participation in interdisciplinary studies.
• You will examine questions central to the fields of medicine, law, science, journalism, history, psychology, technology, literature, film, the environment, public policy, religion, education and business.
• You will develop the following skills and abilities: problem-solving, analytical reasoning, critical analysis, systematic thinking, ethical reasoning, writing, communication, argumentation, persuasion, advocacy, creativity and so much more. 

American Philosophical Association: Why Philosophy?

Philosophy and Legal Careers

• Philosophy majors perform extremely well on the LSAT and they have high rates of admission into law schools.
• See LSAT performance and admission rates for philosophy majors 
• Philosophy develops skills that are recommended by the American Bar Association for pre-law students, including problem-solving, critical reading, writing and editing, oral communication, listening, and promotion of justice.
• Some philosophy courses examine current laws, proposed legal reforms, and court cases. Related courses include Philosophy of Law, Global Justice, Human Rights: Theory and Practice, Biomedical Ethics and Contemporary Moral Problems.
• See the American Law Association’s statement on preparing for law school.   
• Dr. Sandra Raponi has a law degree in addition to a Ph.D. in Philosophy. Please contact her for more information about how a degree in philosophy can help prepare you for law school.

 Additional Resources

• Video: Five Reasons to Study Philosophy (Critical Thinker Academy)
• Charts & Graphs: The Value of Philosophy (dailynous.com)
• Salaries of Philosophy Majors Over Time (dailynous.com)
• The Earning Power of Philosophy (The Atlantic) 
• Why Philosophy is a Great Major (The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life)
• Graduating With A Philosophy Degree? (syracuse.com)
• Resources for Philosophy Undergraduates (American Philosophical Association)
• Who Studies Philosophy (American Philosophical Association)
• Poster: Who Has a Philosophy Degree (Catherine Nolan)

In the Media: 

• Philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen’s Big Bet on Philosophy (The Wall Street Journal)
• 11 Famous Executives Who Majored in Philosophy (Business Insider)
• That ‘Useless’ Liberal Arts Degree Has Become Tech’s Hottest Ticket (Forbes) 
• Be Employable, Study Philosophy (The Tyee)
• Philosophy Should Be For Everyone (The Dallas Morning News)
• World Philosophy Day (United Nations)