Philosophy & Religious Studies Degree & Career Guide

Since philosophy is such a broad field, graduates with a degree in the discipline have many career and educational paths available to them. Depending on their interests and goals, they may pursue careers in education, law, communications, politics, or social services.

In addition to entry-level careers in these fields, philosophy graduates may pursue additional training. Philosophy is a useful foundation for further study because of its focus on critical thinking, reasoning, communication, and global issues.

A religious studies degree can prepare graduates for careers at religious organizations and institutions. They can pursue positions in education and social services, providing support to people and communities. They can also apply their analytical and communication skills to careers in nonreligious fields, including business, administration, and legal roles.

The same skills and training that make religious studies graduates employable may also them well when pursuing continuing education. They can advance their training in religious studies or seek a degree in another humanities discipline. Professional studies and business programs might also complement religious studies training.

Both philosophy and religion are concerned with finding meaning and learning about the human experience. While philosophy seeks knowledge and meaning to provide general insight and understanding, religion attributes the meaning to a higher power and centers worship and ritual.

The two fields overlap in many ways, particularly when it comes to ethics. Religions prioritize shared values and beliefs, whereas philosophy seeks to develop a set of ethics based on universal truths. In some ways, religion provides a particular set of answers to philosophical questions.

There are many benefits to studying philosophy. The foundational training teaches students how to ask questions and frame arguments in academia and in life. Learners also develop strong communication skills, perspectives, logic, and a worldly disposition.

Serving as an effective springboard, philosophy enables students to move in whatever direction they choose. Interdisciplinary majors can enable graduates to pursue careers and advanced training in many fields. Philosophy tends to cultivate great intellectuals, public service professionals, and global citizens.

The interdisciplinary and widely applicable nature of philosophy allows graduates to access careers in many different fields. Graduates may pursue teaching positions, business careers, or fundraising and nonprofit work. Philosophy graduates may qualify for careers in public relations, legal offices, and government agencies.

With training at the master's level and beyond, the career opportunities expand immensely. Graduates may pursue leadership and senior-level positions in the fields above. They may also take on careers in management and analysis, economics and public policy, and research and academia.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for philosophy and religion teachers in postsecondary schools was $77,610 in May 2021, just below the median annual wage for all postsecondary teachers. A professional's location, employer, and specialization may impact their salary.

As per the BLS, state colleges, universities, and professional schools paid the highest median annual wage at $81,250 in May 2021. Next were private colleges, universities, and professional schools at $79,820; local junior colleges at $79,810; and state junior colleges at $63,590.