Philosophy Major Map
Use this major map to explore possibilities and plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academics.
Choose your year below, then see what you can do when you:
- Learn. Develop the knowledge and skills to complete your major.
- Engage. Contribute to campus and the community.
- Network. Build a foundation of professional connections.
- Transform. Make a positive impact in a diverse world.
- Prepare. Plan for life after graduation.
The map just offers suggestions - you don’t have to do it all.
Learn: What foundational courses should I be taking?
- Philosophy 100, 240, 233, or 234
- Learn about the differences between Option I and Option II for the Philosophy major
- Find out what 300 and 400 level courses will be offered next year
Engage: What kinds of activities and organizations can I explore?
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Join Talent Gateway - UM-Dearborn’s online community where you can complete challenges, earn points, and connect experiences with courses and professional goals
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Check out all the opportunities offered by the Office of Student Life.
Network: What are important topics in my field?
- Explore the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- Familiarize yourself with The Philosopher’s Index
- Visit the American Philosophical Association’s webpage
- Visit your philosophy professor during office hours just to introduce yourself
Transform: What are the challenges and the strengths in my community?
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Find out about the Institute for Local Government
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Attend a local meeting of your community board
Prepare: What are the career options for people with my major?
- Familiarize yourself with Career Resources at the American Philosophical Association
- Check out the annual Jobs for Philosophers
Learn: How do I build on foundational courses?
- Philosophy 301 & 302 (Ancient and Modern give you an overview of the history of philosophy)
- Choose a 300 or 400 level course that focuses on a certain topic e.g. Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Religion
- Familiarize yourself with the list of cognate courses that are part of the philosophy major
Engage: What activities and organizations will help me develop professional skills?
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Sign up for MLK Day of Service or Alternative Spring Break.
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Join the Philosophy Club, Pre-Law Association, or any of a number of student organizations on campus
Network: How do I connect with faculty and students with similar interests?
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Consider submitting one of your best papers to the Meeting of Minds
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Attend a philosophy lecture at UM- Ann Arbor, Wayne State, or Oakland University
Transform: What are the challenges and strengths of the Detroit Metro area?
- Visit the Office of Community Engaged Learning
- Take a course at the University of Michigan Detroit Center (daily bus service available)
Prepare: What resources are available on campus to help me develop the professional skills I will need?
- Attend the Campus Writing Center
- Visit the Tutoring Center at the Office of Student Life
- Meet with one of your philosophy professors to discuss your developing skills
- Find out about CASL internships and whether your job qualifies you for credit
Learn: How do I gain expertise in my major?
- Take a special topics course Phil 390 & 490
- Consider an Independent Study with a faculty member in philosophy
- Take 300 and 400 level courses with philosophy faculty you have not taken previously
- Start building your CV - your academic resume
- Register for the LSAT, GRE, MCAT if you plan on law school, graduate school or medical school
Engage: How can I grow as a leader on campus?
- Consider running for Student Government or a leadership position in a campus organization.
- Check out the options through the Office of Student Life’s Leadership Development webpage.
Network: How can I broaden my professional relationships?
- Attend the American Philosophical Association’s Midwest Meetings
- Participate in the 30 Minute Mentor program
- Submit one of your best papers to an undergraduate student journal such as Stance
Transform: How can I prepare to effectively solve local and global challenges?
- Visit the Office of International Affairs to plan and register for a Study Abroad course over the summer, spring break, or during a semester (scholarship money available)
- Take a course in Islamic Philosophy, Philosophy of Race, Feminist Philosophy, Social and Political Philosophy, or Environmental Ethics
Prepare: What practical things should I do to further my career options?
- Work an internship into your schedule to gain professional experience
- Schedule a visit to the Office of Career Services
- Work on publishing a paper in a scholarly journal or online magazine
- Submit to the campus journal Lyceum
Learn: How do I finish strong?
- Schedule an advising meeting with one of the faculty members in philosophy
- Schedule a Senior Audit with a CASL advisor
- Volunteer to be a speaker at the annual Philosophy Program Reception in March
- Request any needed letters of recommendation from faculty who know your work
Engage: How can I mentor others to be leaders on campus?
- Become a peer tutor in the CASL Writing Center
- Consider becoming a supplemental instructor (SI) for Philosophy 100, 233, 234, or 240
- Create a new club or student organization
Network: How can I demonstrate my readiness for the next steps?
- Find out about the Philosophy Discipline’s Honor Scholar Award
- Submit one of your best papers for the Campus Writing Center Awards
- Make sure your applications for graduate or professional schools are complete with a writing sample and personal essay
Transform: How can I add to the strengths of my community, the region, and the world?
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If you are continuing your education, be sure to have everything ready for your graduate or professional school applications including your writing sample and personal essay
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Add a minor or certificate program to your degree
Prepare: How do I make the best use of university resources to launch my professional next steps?
- Apply to jobs or future education, or make plans for other adventures
- Visit Career Services for advice with job searching and interviewing, resumes, and graduate school applications
Did you know the average annual salary for those with a philosophy degree is $64K?
(PayScale, 2018)
Jobs for those with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy include:
- Software Developer
- Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organizations
- Management Consultant
- Research Analyst
- Attorney
- Associate Attorney
- Operations Manager
- Paralegal
- Web Developer
- Data Analyst
- Project Manager, Information Technology
- High School Teacher
- Bio-Ethicist
- Environmental Engineer
- Human Resources Management
- Grant Writer/Technical Writer
Use the map on the interior portion of this brochure to review possibilities and plan for success in the five areas listed - Learn, Engage, Network, Transform, Prepare. The map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your UM-Dearborn career that will prepare you for success.
College is a time for discovering your passions–figuring out who you are and what drives you. UM-Dearborn offers more than 100 majors and minors, so you can find a program that is right for you. We are committed to cultivating a campus community that acknowledges our similarities and celebrates our differences. On campus you’ll find a range of support services and offices that provide the programs you need to be successful both academically and personally.