Double Majoring in Philosophy:

The study of philosophy is a great complement for majors in other disciplines. Some of the great mathematicians of the past hundred years or so were also logicians and philosophers. Similarly the foundations of computer science were laid by logicians and philosophers along with mathematicians. Natural sciences like biology and physics have their roots in philosophy. On the side of social sciences, psychology remained a part of philosophy until around the end of 19^th century, and major contemporary and classical economists, including figures like Adam Smith, have been all theoreticians. The same goes for political science and law.  Humanities are also closely linked with philosophy and much of modern literature and literary criticism, as well as theology, is based on philosophical ideas or produced by people trained in philosophy. Therefore, it makes great sense to combine philosophy with a number of other disciplines to enhance one’s skills for doing quality work in one’s profession of choice and to ensure greater marketability of one’s skills in the modern world.  

Majors in Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, English, Modern Languages, Criminal Justice, and the natural sciences can usefully combine their studies with a double major in philosophy. They need to take only 33 credits in philosophy to earn a double major.  Most, if not all, of the concomitant courses, and arts and sciences electives required for the major in Philosophy will be satisfied by courses taken in the second major. The analytical, critical and creative thinking skills that one develops from studying philosophy will not only enhance one’s marketability in the world of jobs but it will also pave the way for you to shine in your respective areas by understanding the theoretical foundations of your discipline. For example, a double major in Biology and Philosophy is probably the best preparation for Medical School, and one in Political Science and Philosophy is an excellent preparation for law school.  Relevant careers from the following list are available to graduates of these disciplines double majoring in philosophy.      

1. Business: advertising executive; assistant manager of a hotel; assistant to the president of a national firm; brewer; development manager; manager of a winery; manpower services coordinator.

2. Computers and Technology: computer systems analyst; consultant; owner of a computer firm; programmer; technical writer.

3. Consulting: in business, education, and publishing.

4. Education (non-teaching fields): admissions officer; alumni relations officer; archivist; college president; dean; educational testing administrator; humanities bibliographer; librarian; residence hall director; provost; vice-chancellor for academic affairs.

5. Engineering.

6. Finance: bank officer (various departments); commodities broker; financial advisor; investment broker; tax accountant.

7. Government (federal): armed forces officer; CIA staff member; congressional staff member; diplomat; immigration service staff member; intelligence officer; intern in the Department of Defense; policy analyst; policy and planning consultant; United Nations official; U.S. Postal Service staff member.

8. Government (state and local): director, human services agency; county commissioner; county supervisor.

9. Insurance.

10. Law: attorney; bond lawyer; coordinator of a criminal justice program; director of communications at a state bar association; legal researcher; police officer; legal aid society employee; paralegal assistant; security officer.

11. Marketing.

12. Media: free-lance writer; executive editor of a magazine; TV producer.

13. Medicine: director of a provincial medical association; hospital administrator; nurse; nursing administrator; physician; veterinary oncologist.

14. Publishing: director of a university press; editor; employees of university and commercial presses.

15. Real Estate.

16. Religious Ministry

17. Research: business, educational, governmental, and scientific.

18. Sales: many branches.

19. Technical Writing.