Philosophy Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Enroll in CAS 100: First Year Experience during the first term to understand the academic landscape of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Begin the core curriculum with PHL 120 (Critical Thinking) or PHL 220 (Medical Reasoning) to establish a foundation in logical analysis.
• Learn about the three major concentrations available at USA: Philosophy, Religion, and Classics.
• Review the department's "Value of a Degree" resources to understand how philosophical skills translate to professional environments.

Middle Years

• Focus on the common core by completing PHL 240 (Classical/Medieval) and PHL 245 (Renaissance/Enlightenment) early in the major.
• Decide between a Minor in a different discipline or a second concentration within the Philosophy Department to broaden academic development.
• Identify upper-division requirements, ensuring a plan to complete at least 15 hours at the 300/400 level.

Last Year

• Complete the capstone-level PHL 461 (Metaphysics) as part of the core requirements.
• Fulfill the specialized 400-level requirement by choosing between PHL 431 (Advanced Ethical Theory) or PHL 441 (Theory of Knowledge).
• Ensure the "W" (Writing) course requirements are met, with at least one designated writing credit in the major or minor.
• Review final degree progress with a departmental advisor to ensure all 120 credit hours are completed for graduation.
  

Exploration

First Year

• Meet with the Philosophy Department chair or advisors to discuss personal interests and potential career paths.
• Explore the different sub-fields such as Philosophy and Medicine or Law, Politics, & Society to see which aligns with professional goals.
• Investigate USA’s student organizations and volunteer opportunities through platforms like Volunteer Mobile.

Middle Years

• Look into internship opportunities coordinated through the Department Chair, which can include working with lawyers, non-profits, or religious organizations.
• Consider a double major or minor in fields like Computer Science (for AI interests) or Political Science (for legal/government interests).
• Attend departmental events or guest lectures to network with faculty and visiting scholars.
• Explore study abroad options or international experiences that complement a Philosophy, Religion, or Classics concentration.
  

Last Year

• Evaluate graduate school options by reviewing data on how USA philosophy majors perform on the LSAT, GRE, and GMAT.
• Engage in undergraduate research or work toward an Honors Thesis (PHL 499) to develop deep expertise in a specific area.
• Connect with USA alumni who have entered diverse fields such as technical writing, environmental consulting, and business management.

Preparation

First Year

• Develop essential transferable skills: reading critically, writing cogently, and formulating arguments in introductory courses.
• Establish a high GPA early, particularly if aiming for the Honors College or future competitive graduate programs.
• Familiarize yourself with the library resources and research databases available for philosophical inquiry.

Middle Years

• Apply for departmental scholarships specifically for Philosophy students to support academic progress.
• Take courses in computers, statistics, or economics to supplement the philosophy degree and increase marketability to employers.
• Seek out leadership roles in student organizations or participate in the Vanguard student newspaper to build a professional portfolio.
• Refine the ability to present and examine differing viewpoints, a skill highly valued in professional negotiations.

Last Year

• Prepare for professional entrance exams (LSAT, GRE, GMAT) using the logical and analytical skills honed in the major.
• Draft a resume that highlights specific skills like symbolic logic, ethical analysis, and complex information interpretation.
• Participate in mock interviews and work with advisors to articulate how philosophical training translates to "robot-proof" career roles.