Hi I'm hopefully going to study english at university next year, as another choice of course on my application I was considering english with philosophy, philosophy has always intrigued me & I've always been a very deep thinker, I know I would enjoy studying it & I know thinking about prospective employment is rather antithetic to the whole philosophy ideal. But, would a philosophy degree imediately turn employers off? It was a very real consideration until my lovely b/f decided to tell me the joke 'What is the one question philosophy students ask after graduation, do you want fries with that?' Unfunny & unsupportive I know but there does seem to be a stigma attached to philosophy degrees, I know in an ideal world we should persue the subjects that give us the greatest personal fulfillment, however, with the vast student loans we have to contend with in the U.K the career prospects have to be considered. Do philosophy degrees close doors, any advice?
2006-09-27 03:03:29 · 6 answers · asked by IndieChick 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Why is an english degree useless then?
2006-09-27 03:17:41 · update #1
To answer your last question, no. Philosophy degrees do not close doors. Having a university degree, whether philosophy or business, is special to have. Many companies also look for experience and anything else you can bring into your future. You are thinking of a double major so don't worry. I double majored in history and philosophy. I don't regret it and I don't have any special stigmas. I have added an ESL teaching certificate and I have been an ESL teacher for almost 4 years. I love it.
2006-09-27 03:15:49 · answer #1 · answered by Adam 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So long as you're studying philosophy alongside another subject (in your case English), I'd say go for it. Check with your University - you may even be able to take 3 different subjects in your first year & then choose which 1 or 2 to take forward. As for job prospects, a philosophy degree would show that you have a broad mind (and you'll certainly be able to hold your own in an argument) so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Unless you want a career in banking or something.
2006-09-27 10:12:05 · answer #2 · answered by Leo B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I graduated in philosophy in 1998. It's not a degree that will get you an instant job (Not many openings for philosophers at most corporations), but I made my way o.k. in life. I think you should always do what you like. I went teaching abroad for a while, now I'm working in the news media. Once employers see that you're not stuck on philosophy and are willing to work hard and learn new things, they do o.k. You might not get a good job straight out of college, but you can still make your way out there. I have no regrets.
2006-09-27 10:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the US, I could see a Philosophy major going on to law school, but outside of that, it's not directly practical, other than to show that you are generally smart. I wouldn't say it closes doors, but it fails to open any doors. At least English would give you strong writing skills, for a career in journalism, advertising, etc.
"Finishing College" is a nice goal, but what is really important is "Why do I want to go to college?" Some go to find a husband/wife who will be rich and take care of them, some go to party for 4 years, and some go simply because they don't know what else to do, or to make their Mom happy.
What are you passionate about? What do you want to do with your life? What is the best way to get there? Then channel that to a college major.
2006-09-27 17:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by Polymath 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Philosophy degrees are appealing to most employers in that they demonstrate that you have strong analytic abilities and that can go a long way in any discipline. Now, an English degree, that is useless.
2006-09-27 10:08:09 · answer #5 · answered by Akkakk the befuddled 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If your major is English, it should not be a problem at all.
2006-09-27 10:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋