Philosophy
Engaging in the Major
When's the last time you saw a job ad for “Philosophers Wanted”? Probably never. But what about jobs that need clear thinking, strong writing, and solid communication? Exactly.
Philosophy teaches you how to think critically, argue logically, and write with precision—skills that are in demand in just about every field: law, medicine, business, education, you name it. It’s a major that gives you a real edge, especially if you're aiming for grad school or a career that values smart, adaptable thinkers.
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Philosophy programs can expect to develop strong Critical Thinking, Communication, Information Literacy, and Cultural Navigation competencies. Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness
Common Career Fields
Philosophy students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields! Some of those include: Law, Medicine, Education, Business, Literature, Education/Academia, Administration, etc.
Meet with your advisor!
Would you like to know more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your goals? Would you like to know more about your career options? Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Heather Lagrosa-Farr!
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment!
Philosophy Recommended Course Progression
Course order:
Here are few tips for making the most of your first semesters in the Philosophy program:
Start with PHIL 200, PHIL 120, and PHIL 140
Take PHIL 300 before jumping into other upper-division coursework
Course substitutions:
If you need a course substitution or need help planning your courses,
contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center.
Grad Plans:
If you would like help creating a grad plan, consider meeting with an undergraduate specialist at the Liberal Arts Advisement Center.
Funding & Internships
Should I do an internship?
YES! You need an internship to graduate with a Philosophy degree. They vary widely, based on students’ career path of choice! If you are curious about which internship options are a good fit for you, reach out to your academic and professional development manager, Heather Lagrosa-Farr, or career director, Christian Sagers.
Resources to find internships:
Funding for Internships
We offer funding for unpaid, professional internships. Please apply! Humanities Financial Aid
Funding for Mentored Research:
You can participate in a faculty-mentored research project, and you can receive funding for your project. Learn about the Hum Grants program.
College of Humanities Tuition Scholarships
The College of Humanities offers tuition scholarships. You can find out about the scholarship options and apply here: Humanitites Financial Aid
University financial aid options
There are many resources to help you fund your tuition and experiences at BYU. The Financial Aid Office can help!
Campus Resources
- Philosophy Department: For course questions, faculty contacts, and more, contact the Philosophy Department.
- Pre-Professional Advisement: For pre-med or pre-law resources, contact the Pre-Professional Advisement Center.
- Handshake Internships and Job Board: To search internships and jobs that match your interests and skills, use Handshake.
- Kennedy Center: For International Study programs and funding, contact the BYU Kennedy Center.
- Career Director: To get help searching for and applying to jobs, plus connecting with employers and alumni, meet with Christian Sagers.
- Course Descriptions and offerings: To check out which classes will be offered in the upcoming semester, use the BYU Class Search.
Getting Involved
FAQ's
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Toggle ItemI would like some help exploring my career options, who can help?
BYU Exploration Point is a great place to start:
https://universityadvisement.byu.edu/exploration-point -
Toggle ItemWhich minors do Family History students usually have?
Classics pairs well with many minors! Depending on your career goals, you might choose: Digital Humanities, Civic Engagement Leadership, Philosophy, Statistics, Business, Global Women’s Studies, Biology, or Legal Studies. You can check out all of the minors BYU offers in the BYU Catalog.
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to minor in Logic or Theoretical and Applied Ethics along with having a Philosophy major?
You can absolutely do that; however, no more than 6 credit hours can overlap with your major requirements.
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Toggle ItemI think a class from my previous major could count for my Family History emphasis. How can I find out?
Contact the Dr. Dave Jensen (davidj@byu.edu) to see if the course meets the learning outcomes for a similar Philosophy course. If so, the Liberal Arts Advisement Center can enter a course substitution for you.
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Toggle ItemI have a hold on my account. Who can help me get it removed?
If it is an AIP hold, please meet with your academic and professional development manager, Heather Lagrosa-Farr, to get that hold removed. Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment with her.
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Toggle ItemWhere can I get help with papers, homework, and studying?
- FHSS Writing Lab
- BYU RWC (Research and writing center)
- Y serve tutors
- TA Labs
- Peer Academic Study Specialists (PASS)