The value of a philosophy degree isn’t always obvious at first glance. Yet time and again, the data show that philosophy majors thrive not only in the classroom but also in their careers.
Philosophy majors outperform many other disciplines on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). They rank among the top scorers on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They earn more in mid-career than most non-science majors and enjoy some of the highest medical school acceptance rates.
The numbers tell a compelling story: studying philosophy isn’t just intellectually enriching. It is practical preparation for professional success.
“Everyone should take at least one course in philosophy,” said Dr. David Harker, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at East Tennessee State University. “Philosophy develops really valuable skills, but it also opens our eyes to different ways of thinking about even very familiar concepts.”
Those skills translate directly to career success. Philosophy teaches critical thinking, clear communication and analytical reasoning, exactly what employers say they need in new hires.
Universal applicability
Philosophy majors learn to tackle problems systematically: analyzing concepts, evaluating arguments and synthesizing different perspectives into coherent positions. They develop the ability to write clearly, speak persuasively and think logically under pressure.
The data backs this up. Of 319 majors surveyed by PayScale, philosophy ranked No. 75.
More than just job prep
But philosophy offers something beyond professional preparation. It teaches students to question assumptions, consider alternative viewpoints, and engage with fundamental questions about existence, morality, knowledge and justice.
“Philosophy equips students not only with practical skills, but also with the capacity to wrestle with life’s most enduring questions and to develop a richer understanding of themselves and their society,” said Harker.
Interested in a philosophy major?
At ETSU, about a third of philosophy students pursue double majors, pairing philosophy with fields like psychology, history, theater, political science, microbiology and economics. These combinations deliver both specialized knowledge and the critical thinking skills that make graduates adaptable across careers.
Interested in majoring in philosophy? Speak with an academic adviser at etsu.edu/cas/case. Thinking about applying to ETSU? Visit etsu.edu/apply.
Explore the ways that ETSU students excel at etsu.edu/go-beyond.
