Philosophy and Preparation for Further Study

The following are lists of recommended courses for philosophy majors interested in pursuing one or another particular post-graduation career path. It should be emphasized that it is not required for success in any of the areas listed that a student take all or any of these courses. They are rather courses which students will by and large find helpful in pursuing one of these post-graduation career paths.

Preparation for graduate school

Students who intend to prepare for graduate study in philosophy should aim to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, especially in philosophy courses, to write an honors thesis if eligible, and to consider taking courses from the following list:

• Advanced Logic
• Theory of Knowledge
• Ethical Theory
• Philosophy of Language
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of Science

Competition for graduate school in philosophy is keen in the best departments. Students should plan ahead, and talk to both the undergraduate and graduate coordinator about their plans.

Preparation for law-related professions

Students who are pre-law or studying for law-related professions should give serious consideration to:

• Epistemology
• Symbolic Logic I
• Ethical Theory
• Feminism
• Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Law

Students considering pursuing law school after an undergraduate degree may wish to visit the American Bar Association's web page on preparing for law school.

Preparation for medicine-related professions

Students who are pre-med or studying for medicine-related professions should give serious consideration to:

• Ethical Theory
• One or more courses in Applied Ethics in relevant fields (e.g., Ethics and Ecology)
• Philosophy of Science
• Epistemology
• One or more courses in areas dealing with gender and life issues, such as Feminism or Existentialism.

Student's considering health related professions may wish to visit the Association of American Medical Colleges web page.

Preparation for journalism

Students studying for a career in journalism or for a professional degree in journalism should give serious consideration to:

• Philosophy of Law
• Ethical Theory
• Media Ethics
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Language