David Boersema

What Can I Do With a Degree in Philosophy? David Boersema

During my teaching career I heard the question, "What can you do with a degree in philosophy?" many times from some students I taught (and their parents). I know that many other philosophy professors have heard the same question.

The point works to dispel the view that studying philosophy is impractical or unimportant. As it turns out, most of the students I taught over the years who got a degree in philosophy went on to non-academic jobs and careers. They dispel the notion that the only thing one can do with a degree in philosophy is to teach philosophy.

Does studying philosophy teach one how to fix a leaky faucet? No, but neither does studying economics. Does studying philosophy lead to rewarding and fulfilling careers? Not necessarily, but it certainly can.