In trying to decide which major to pursue in college, students often neglect to consider Philosophy. Although students have had mathematics, English, history and science courses in high school they probably have not had a philosophy course. Thus students are often not sure exactly what philosophy is or whether they would enjoy studying philosophy in depth. Secondly and perhaps more significantly even if students have a general idea of the nature of philosophy they usually have no insight into what career philosophy might prepare them for. The most obvious career goal that a philosophy major might serve would be the legal profession.
Philosophy is considered by legal educators to be an excellent preparation for the study of law.
It provides for the development of the logical and analytic skills required for sound legal reasoning as well as a theoretical and ethical perspective in which to understand law and its role in human society. Philosophy is also an excellent major for anyone who simply wishes a strong liberal arts degree, fostering basic thinking, analysis, synthesis and judgment skills, valuable in any profession. Further a philosophy degree can provide a foundation for graduate study in many areas. Those who feel that philosophy plays an important role in shaping the lives of humans could use philosophy to pursue a teaching career. Finally, it should be mentioned that Philosophy, because of its broad scope, is an excellent second major.