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Philosophy

“To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts; but to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates. ”

~ Henry Thoreau

What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is the love, study or pursuit of wisdom. At William Paterson University, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy is designed to encourage students to be intellectually courageous, to work both cooperatively and independently, to form new connections and to master analysis, interpretation, effective communication and imagination skills that are becoming increasingly crucial for success in any endeavor.

Link to the Philosophy Department http://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/philosophy/

Admissions information on Philosophy: http://ww2.wpunj.edu/admissions/AcademicPrograms/Philosophy.cfm

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

  • Intellectual understanding
  • Helpfulness
  • Mental and emotional well-being
  • Tact
  • Inquisitiveness
  • Integrity
  • Warm and personable character
  • Desire to continue learning through life
  • Sensitivity to the inconsistencies of human behavior
  • Patience


Some careers that Philosophy majors pursue are:

Announcer
Assistant Buyer
Author
Business Administrator
Campus Religious Coordinator
Campus Minister
Chaplain
Church Camp Director
Church Secretary
CIA Agent
Claims Adjuster
Clergy
Columnist
Credit Analyst
Customer Service Representative
Denominational Executive
Diplomat
Director of Religious Education
Editorial Assistant

Foreign Service
Fundraiser
Guidance Counselor
Insurance Underwriter
Journalist
Judge
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Medical/Environmental Ethicist
Minister/Youth Minister
Minister of Music
Missionary
Nursing Home Director
Paralegal
Pastor
Philosophical Counselor
Politician
Priest
Producer/Director

Professor
Public Policy Manager
Public Service Official Public Relations Representative
Rabbi
Realtor
Religious Bookstore Worker
Religious Education Teacher
Religious Researcher
Religious Staff Writer
Religious Educational Administrator
Researcher
Salvation Army Employee
Seminary Administrator
Student Affairs Administrator
Teacher
YMCA/YWCA Employee
Writer

Aside from majoring in philosophy, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications?
Students in the Philosophy major at William Paterson have numerous opportunities to enhance their academic experience. Students can contact the department about internships in a variety of organizations depending on the student’s interests. Also, many students find that a study abroad experience enhances their curriculum because they are given the opportunity to experience other cultures.


Related websites:

American Philosophical Association http://www.apa.udel.edu/apa/index.html

EpistemeLinks http://www.epistemelinks.com/Main/MainJob.aspx

Guide to Philosophy on the Internet http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/gpi/jobs.htm


Other sources of information:
Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in philosophy. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the philosophy department may also prove valuable in addressing questions.

 

The Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center is located in:
Student Center 301, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2281/2282 Fax 973.720.2074