Chaminade Tower #516
St. Mary's University
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, Texas 78228 Conrad Kaczkowski, S.M. phone: (210) 431-3114 fax: (210) 431-6741 ckaczkowski@stmarytx.edu
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What Have St. Mary's Graduates in Philosophy Done after Graduation
People sometimes wonder what students "do" with a philosophy degree. The Department of Philosophy has studied the data available about student finishing with a philosophy majors from St. Mary's to try and answer just this question. Here are the pertinent results.
- Since 1990, 85 students graduated with philosophy majors from St. Mary's. The number of philosophy majors has doubled since 1995. There are now 30 majors and minors in the department.
- Between 1992 and 2002, 70% of all philosophy majors continued their education in graduate or professional school. Law, English, and theology were the top fields.
- The percentage of majors continuing their studies beyond the undergraduate level has increased each year. For example, since 1998 almost 75% of all majors have continued to graduate or professional school. In 2001, 85% applied and were accepted to graduate or professional school.
- In the last five years, all majors applying to graduate or professional school were accepted to a program of their choice. Almost all students accepted to a graduate and profession degree programs attended. Three majors, who did not apply to graduate or professional school as undergraduates, did so within three years of graduation.
The department strongly encourages majors double major and to consider opportunities open to them for advanced studies.
What do majors end up doing with their degree(s)?
Between 1950 and 2000, there are nine career paths that philosophy majors at St. Mary's have followed. However, each student is unique. We encourage you to consider your own talents and interests and take time to put a program of study together that is most appropriate for your interests and career directions.
- Administration and management: About 1 in 5 majors have found their career path in management and administration in many different kinds of organizations, including their own businesses, non-governement organizations (NGO's), educational institutions, charitable foundations, and not-for-profit organizations. The analytical and critical skills developed in philosophy open many different opportunities in management and administration. Courses in accounting, organizational behavior, psychology, and management can be helpful at the entry level.
- Religious Careers: A background in philosophy is usually required to study theology in seminary or graduate school. About 1 in 5 philosophy majors continue toward careers in ministry and religious education. A second major or a minor in theology is highly recommended for students wishing to pursue religious careers.
- Teacher/Scholar: 13% of philosophy majors have entered teaching either at the university or secondary school level.
Students interested in becoming teacher/scholars at the University level will need to go on for a Ph.D. in philosophy or other discipline. Students thinking about graduate school are encouraged to do additional work in philosophy beyond the requirements for the major. Language study, especially French or German, is highly recommended. A second major in a relevant area is strongly encouraged. Writing courses intensive courses are also helpful to prepare to enter a demanding graduate program.
Students thinking about teaching in secondary school should consult with the Department of Education about certification requirements. A second major will be required because philosophy is not a secondary school subject in the United States, except New Jersey.
Law and legal Careers: 13% of philosophy majors continue their studies in law school. There are a growing number of students who plan to attend law school who combine philosophy with a second major. Students should consult with the prelaw advisor, Prof. Roy Robbins to familiarize themselves with the law school admission requirements. Many of the recommended skills areas are well developed in philosophy courses.
Business: 13% of philosophy majors enter business after graduation. Most have entered management training programs. Economics and courses in communication and business, especially accounting, may be helpful. Majors taking this career path should consider entering an M.B.A. program which may require qualifying prerequisites if not taken as an undergraduate.
Engineering and Information Technology: About 1 major in 10 enter engineering of information technology. Professional engineering requires a degree in engineering. While a demanding program, some students have completed both a B.S. in engineering and an B.A. in philosophy. Other students have entered jobs using programming or web page design skills.
Social Service and counseling: 1 in 10 enter the helping professions like social work, counseling, or psychotherapy. Professional counseling requires an advanced degree. Many social workers also complete a Master of Social Work, though it is not required to enter the field. Courses or a second major in sociology or psychology are helpful complements to the philosophy major thinking about entering one of the "helping professions."
Health Care: Majors can complete pre-medicine recommended courses as well as the philosophy major. The most recent performance report shows philosophy majors do above average on medical admissions qualifying texts; however, careful planning of your program is required to assure the required course in biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Military service, writing, library science: Are some of the other fields where philosophy majors are working. Each of these fields have their own unique requirements. However, careful planning of your program of studies can provide the skills to open these opportunities.
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