The study of philosophy develops our ability to make sense of ourselves and our surroundings. Philosophers apply critical thinking to questions of values and beliefs in order to understand reality, clarify the nature of interactions between individuals and society, and come to terms with the problems of existence and ultimate values. Different schools of thought in economics, history, psychology, and education are based upon differences in philosophy. Political and religious beliefs and codes of ethic are based on philosophical assumptions. Students who study philosophy engage in the examination of their own beliefs, the resolution of conflicts, the search for a purpose to life, and the development of a basis for ethical decisions.
Religion studies examine spiritual belief, practices, and worship activities. Undergraduate courses in philosophy and religion are geared toward the preparation for life rather than a specific type of work, and provide an excellent background for a variety of careers. A background in philosophy and religion can help develop character and personal skills which are extremely important in most job situations: specifically, the abilities to listen carefully and critically; think clearly; analyze and organize ideas; write; defend one's position rationally; stimulate discussion; and question, confront, support, evaluate, reshape, and understand different points of view.
CWU Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
| Related Career Titles | ||
|---|---|---|
Some positions are entry level, while others require advanced degrees and experience: | ||
| Administrative Assistant | Announcer | Arts Consultant |
| Assistant Buyer | Associate Pastor | Author |
| Business Administrator | Campus Religious Coordinator | Campus Minister |
| Chaplain | Church Building Engineer | Church Camp Director |
| Church Secretary | Claims Adjuster | Clergy |
| Columnist | Public Policy Manager | Public Relations Representative |
| Public Service Official | Rabbi | Religious Bookstore Worker |
| YMCA/YWCA Worker | Consultant | Counselor |
| Credit Analyst | Critic | Customer Service Representative |
| Denominational Executive | Diplomat | Director of Religious Education |
| Editorial Assistant | Employment Interviewer | Financial Consultant |
| Fund-raiser | Guidance Counselor | Hospital Administrator |
| Insurance Underwriter | Journalist | Religious Education Teacher |
| Religious Researcher | Religious Staff Writer | Religious Educational Administrator |
| Sales Representative | Lawyer | Lobbyist |
| Management Analyst | Management Trainee | Marketing Research Analyst |
| Minister/Youth Minister | Minister of Music | Missionary |
| Newswriter | Nursing Home Director | Paralegal |
| Pastor | Priest | Producer/Director |
| Professor | Psychologist | Salvation Army Worker |
| Seminary Administrator | Social Worker | Systems Analyst |
| Technical Writer | ||
| Some Employers of Philosophy and Religion Majors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Advertising Agencies | Consulting Firms | Colleges & Universities |
| Government | Political Parties | Hospitals |
| Non-Profit Organizations | Media | State & Federal Government |
| Religious Associations | Publishing Companies | Business & Industry |
| Newspapers & Magazines | ||
Related Major Skills | |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | Communicating in logical manner |
| Debating Skills | Theory Development |
| Open-mindedness | Objectivity |
| Oratory Skills | Interest in pursuing, exploring and explaining intangible ideas |
| Deductive Reasoning | Self-discipline |
| Curiosity | Close, extensive reading |
| Work Independently | |
Philosophy Now...jobs in philosophy: http://www.epistemelinks.com/Main/MainJob.asp
The Society for Women in Philosophy Job Announcements: http://www.uh.edu/~cfreelan/SWIP/
Idealist - The Non-Profit Career Center*: http://www.idealist.org/career.html
IE3 Global Internships: http://ie3global.ous.edu/
American Philosophical Association: http://www.udel.edu/apa/
Carl Albert Public Internship Program*: http://www.ok.gov/opm/State_Jobs/Carl_Albert_Public_Internship_Program.html
Guide to Philosophy on the Internet: http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/philinks.htm#jobs
Ephilosopher: http://www.ephilosopher.com/
Association for Religion and Intellectual Life: http://www.aril.org/
Council Society for the Study of Religion: http://www.cssr.org/
The Philosophical Gourmet: http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/default.asp
Association for Practical and Professional Ethics: http://www.indiana.edu/~appe/
Society for Business Ethics: http://www.societyforbusinessethics.org
Philosophy of Science Association: http://philsci.org/
American Society for Political and Legal Philosophy: http://www.apsanet.org
Society for Philosophy and Technology: http://www.spt.org
Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos066.htm
Internships with Cross Cultural Solutions*: http://crossculturalsolutions.org/choosing_your_program/intern_abroad/default.asp