I want to be a philosophy major—but is it right for my career goals?
College advice from William F. Nietmann, Professor Emeritus, NAU Department of Philosophy
Edited by University Marketing
It can be difficult to decide whether to major in philosophy. Going to college means finding a balance of what you like to do and what you’re good at, with the hope that after graduation, you can build a stable career to support your life goals. A philosophy degree is a great choice for numerous career fields, but there are a few times when you will need specialized training.
What fields require specific training that I can’t get with a philosophy degree?
There is no way into dental hygiene or nursing but by training in those majors. The technical competencies required in these jobs require specific training. Similarly, it’s difficult to become an engineer without training in engineering, a translator without a second language, or an accountant without an accountancy certification.
If there is room in your degree plan, you can usually double major or minor in philosophy to get the best of both worlds.
Can I become a lawyer or a doctor with a philosophy degree?
Contrary to popular belief, you can attend law or medical school with any degree—including philosophy. NAU’s popular Philosophy, Politics, and Law major is a great choice for future lawyers, and studies confirm that philosophy students are among the highest scorers on the Law School Admission Test.
The reading, writing, and critical thinking skills you gain as a philosopher also serve you well in medical school. Philosophy students scored the highest of all liberal arts students on the entry examinations into medical college; they are bested by very few subject areas, chiefly biochemistry and mathematics. Combing your philosophy major or minor with the relevant science coursework is excellent preparation for becoming a doctor. Speak with our premed advisors for more information.
NAU advisors help find your path
Speaking with your professors or your academic advisor about your plans is the best way to make sure your degree is well suited for your career. At NAU, there are numerous majors, minors, and certificates you can combine to create the best academic plan for your goals.
Every academic major presents unique opportunities to grow
No matter what you major in, there is risk. People get laid off from, lose interest in, or become alienated from careers for which they once thought themselves well-suited. You want to choose a college major that prepares you for a stable career while equipping you with life skills to navigate the major transitions to come.
For instance, I am told that the majority of people entering religious seminaries today are people past their twenties who were launched into successful careers—engineering, business management, teaching—but wanted to start a new one. What they thought was important at one moment in life looks quite different at another, and it is the breadth of education which provides for adaptation.
To be sure, there is psychological security in finding a major where you know people will be lining up to hire you. Parents and friends are correct at that point. Engineering is popular in today’s world; accounting majors can usually find a job somewhere, and the Hotel and Restaurant Management administrators tell us that their graduates generally have several job offers from which to choose.
However, in the end, the practical truth is that all opportunities lay open to you—you have only to articulate your goals in life and pursue them. We certainly hope you’ll do so at NAU.