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Philosophy

Philosophy is the critical study of alternatives. A major in philosophy should provide students with a working acquaintance of reflective methods which can be applied to their interests generally. A minor in philosophy can be correlated with a major field in such a way as to reinforce conception of the issues involved in that field. The major in philosophy will prepare a student for an advanced professional degree such as an MBA or a Law degree or graduate work in a wide range of fields. Philosophy has several branches including logic (disciplined reason), metaphysics (theories about reality), epistemology (how and what we know), ethics (moral theory and practice), and aesthetics (what is beauty). The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers both a major and a minor in philosophy.

What will I learn from studying Philosophy?

Knowledge:

Students who choose to study philosophy at UW – Eau Claire will receive a well-rounded education preparing them for continuing in many area of graduate study, pursuing careers of all kinds, and keeping an interest in life-long learning.

Skills:

  • Make critical observations, evaluations and appropriate decisions
  • Summarize complicated materials and solve problems
  • Concentrate for long periods of time
  • Speak articulately and listen objectively
  • Organize, conduct, and clearly explain research
  • Proficiency in analytical and synthetic reasoning
  • Broad background of general knowledge

What are some of the interests and values related to Philosophy?

  • Intellectual growth
  • Logical thought and self-expression
  • Desire for recognition and to influence others
  • Tendency to question and seek answers
  • Desire to support beliefs with facts and logic
  • Thoughtfulness
  • Persuasiveness

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

  • College Freethought Society

Professional:

What career fields are related to a Philosophy Degree?

Potential Employers:

Philosophy graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of philosophy graduates can include advertising agencies, schools/universities, nonprofit organization, museums, libraries, colleges and universities, and federal, state, and local government.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Judge
  • Lecturer
  • Librarian
  • Personnel Manager
  • Research Assistant
  • Advertising Executive

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Philosophy graduates?

  • Judicator, State of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
  • Continued Education , John Marshall Law School
  • Programmer Analyst , Compuware Corp, Madison, WI
  • Community Relations Coordinator , United Cerebral Palsy, Eleva, WI
  • Organizing Director , The State PIRGs, Madison, WI

How can I learn more about Philosophy?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center :

  • Careers for Puzzle Solvers & Other Methodical Thinkers, Jan Goldberg
  • Careers for Scholars & Other Deep Thinkers, Blythe Camenson
  • Careers for Geniuses & Other Gifted Types , Jan Goldberg
  • Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors, Blythe Camenson
  • Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates , Checkmark Books
  • 100 Jobs in Social Change , Macmillan

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Philosophy?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Philosophy that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Philosophy and Religious Studies department chair about enrolling in PHIL 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in PHIL 395, 399 or 499.

Apprenticeship

Participate in a research or teaching apprenticeship in philosophy in which qualified students have the opportunity to collaborate with a faculty member to reinforce and enhance their understanding of philosophy

Prism

Prism is a student journal published by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. For more information, visit www.uwec.edu/philrel/prism.htm