Becoming a journalist, writer, or teacher with an NAU philosophy degree
College advice from William F. Nietmann, Professor Emeritus, NAU Department of Philosophy
Edited by University Marketing
With a philosophy degree, you will have the freedom and flexibility to pursue jobs in a range of different fields, including education, journalism, and writing. The position of lead philosopher may be hard to come by these days, but the great thing about getting your degree in philosophy is that you’ll develop important life skills such as discernment, analysis, and communication. Philosophy bakes no bread, as we say, but it does provide an education in the skill of thinking, which opens up doors in the working world.
How philosophy ties into pursuing a journalism career
A philosophy degree provides an excellent foundation for future journalists. As philosophers, we train to become experts in the art of discernment—also known as the ability to have sound judgment. Can you think of a better quality for journalists to cultivate?
NAU also offers excellent journalism programs that you can combine with your philosophy degree. You’ll graduate ready to tackle the world’s most significant issues.
Philosophy is an ideal choice for students who want to become writers
You can certainly become a writer as a philosophy major. In fact, writing is one of the skills you will flex the most as a philosophy student. In addition, you’ll develop your ability to read, reason with, and analyze a text at hand. The NAU Department of Philosophy has seen our students go on to become fiction, nonfiction, and professional writers.
Future teachers will find value in their philosophy courses
NAU philosophy students have become elementary and high school as well as college teachers, from kindergarten to English class. In most states, philosophy is not taught in high school, so philosophy students will obtain a humanities certification to teach in public high schools.
It’s important to note that many state boards of education require specific certifications for elementary teachers. NAU’s College of Education is the central hub for all of our elementary education programs, while majors and minors in secondary fall under their own academic colleges.
It’s also possible to combine your philosophy degree with a major or minor in one of your other passions. Andrea Holmen, from the class of 2009, was a double major in Philosophy and Physics who went on to teach science through the Peace Corps.
Becoming a philosophy professor
Finding a job to teach philosophy at the college level can be difficult, but it is possible. With a doctoral degree in the field, you’ll have the highest chance of finding the right position. That’s a