What Can I Do With A Major In Philosophy/Religion?
The philosophy/religion program consists of a range of courses covering traditional and modern aspects of philosophical and religious thought. Among its strength is that it offers a broad background without sacrificing in-depth experience or specialized expertise. Students in the program have the opportunity to inquire into, clarify and think about fundamental human values and problems, preparing them for a variety of careers in law, administration, business, the para-professions, communications, human service and church-related vocations.
Possible Career Options
(Some may require further education/specialization)Arbitrator
Campus Religious Coordinator
Church Administrator
Church Camp Director
Clergy Member
Community Service Agency Worker
Congressional Staff Member
Counselor
Career
Elementary School
High School
Mental Health
Editor
Employee Training Instructor
Employment Interviewer
Evangelist
FBI/CIA Agent
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Student Advisor
Fundraiser
Grant Writer
Historian
Historical Archivist
Hospice Director
Hospital/Military/Prison Chaplain
Human Resources Manager
Intelligence Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Legal Assistant
Legislator
Librarian
Lobbyist
Museum Manager
Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Professor/Teacher
Public Relations Specialist
Rehabilitation Counselor
Religious Activities Director
Researcher
Residence Hall Director
Social Worker
Student Affairs Administrator
Theological Professor
University/Seminary Administrator
Writer/Author/Editor
Youth Minister
Types of Employers
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies
Childcare/Adoption Agencies
Churches
Colleges/Universities
Community Organizations
Consumer Organizations
Cultural Organizations
Entertainment Firms
Foundations
Health Organizations
Hotels/Restaurants/Resorts
Insurance Companies
Law Firms
Libraries
Magazines/Newspapers
Management/Consulting Firms
Manufacturing Firms
Media Organizations
Mental Health Organizations
Museum/Historical Societies
Personnel Agencies
Professional Associations
Public Relations Firms
Publishing Firms
Radio/TV Stations
Religious Organizations
Retail Stores
Social Service Agencies
Government Agencies
Central Intelligence Agency
Civil Rights Commission
Consumer Affairs Office
Criminal Courts
Department of Labor
Division of Youth and Family Services
Drug Enforcement Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal/State Congressional Offices
Foreign Service
Legislative Affairs
Peace Corps
Smithsonian Institution
US Customs Service
US Information Agency
Voice of America
Transferrable Skills
General Skills
Sees the world from the perspective of other individuals and cultures
Applies spiritual truths to current life issues
Perceives the relations among various fields of study
Senses the meaning and varieties of human experience
Research Skills
Elicits hidden assumption
Distinguishes the genre and literacy devices of a text
Summarizes complicated material
Problem Solving Skills
Analyzes concepts, definitions, arguments and complex problems
Organizes ideas, deals with questions of value, and extracts information
Distinguishes fine differences between views and discovers common ground
Generates ideas and formulates solutions
Communication Skills
Presents ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments
Listens and responds to others objectively
Expresses a distinctive view and explains difficult material
Eliminates ambiguities and vagueness in communication
Persuasive Skills
Constructs clear information, good arguments, and apt examples
Builds and defends views and appreciates competing positions
Writing Skills
Writes interpretively, argumentatively and descriptively
Develops structure and technique while anchoring generalizations
Experiential Education
Organizing exhibits and leading tours at a museum
Working as a student intern for a religious organization
Coordinating vacation bible school programs
Developing materials to support grant applications submitted by a local human service agency
Providing leadership for a church’s volunteer program
Serving on a non-profit agency’s allocation of funds committee
Providing one-on-one care as a hospice center volunteer
Serving as a youth minister at an area church or as a chaplain at a summer camp
Assisting a chaplain in a nursing home
Professional Associations
American Academy of Religion,
aarweb.org
American Humanist Association,
americanhumanist.org
American Philosophical Association,
apaonline.org
Association for the Sociology of Religion,
sociologyofreligion.com
National Humanities Alliance,
nhalliance.org
Enhancing Your Employability
Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills
Participate in internships and field experience placements
Become active in alumni and/or mentor networks
Plan on a graduate degree for advancement
Take part in mock interview opportunities