Philosophy (B.A.)
ABOUT
Who studies philosophy? How about comedian Stephen Colbert, political activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and filmmaker and author Susan Sontag, for starters? The word “philosophia” means “love of wisdom,” and — true to their name — philosophers have challenged, enlightened and sustained human society since the time of the ancient Greeks. Clemson’s philosophy degree will help you gain a broad understanding of the human condition and develop the ability to bring critical thinking and organizational skills to creative problem solving. The philosophy major is especially well regarded as preparation for law and medical school. Graduates also pursue graduate work in a wide variety of humanities, social sciences and other disciplines. With a law, liberty and justice emphasis area, Clemson’s program is well equipped to meet your specific career goals.
FAST FACTS
- Clemson's Ethics Bowl public policy debate team has one of the most successful records of competitive debate in the United States.
- According to the Wall Street Journal, philosophy is the top-earning humanities major, ranking above chemistry, accounting and business management for midcareer earning potential.
- Our students go on to careers in business, management, policy analysis, real estate, law and health care.
- Philosophy majors receive some of the highest scores on admissions tests for law and medical schools, and recent Clemson philosophy majors have been admitted to the top law schools in the country.
- Philosophy majors conduct research alongside faculty members on topics of their choosing. Recent research topics include media influences on beliefs and animal rights.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
Clemson’s philosophy degree will help you gain a broad understanding of the human condition and develop the ability to bring critical thinking and organizational skills to creative problem solving. The philosophy major is especially well regarded as preparation for law and medical school. Along with core courses in ancient, modern and contemporary philosophy, you’ll take specialized courses of your choosing from offerings as diverse as social philosophy, environmental ethics, philosophy of mind/cognitive science, and philosophy of film.
Emphasis Areas
Philosophy: This gives students great flexibility in their course work. You’ll learn about ancient and modern philosophy, and will choose from a wide range of philosophical topics tailored to your interests and career plans.*
Law, Liberty and Justice: This emphasis area is primarily for pre-law students and others with a particular interest in questions of social justice and law. In addition to the core classes in ancient and modern philosophy, you’ll take classes in moral philosophy, social and political philosophy, philosophy of law and legal history. A pre-law internship is advised, and the department works with students to arrange it.
*Pre-law and pre-medicine students majoring in philosophy should consult their departmental adviser for help in tailoring the program to their needs.
Curriculum
Popular Minors
- Economics
- Financial Management
- Psychology
AFTER GRADUATION
Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.
WHERE OUR RECENT GRADUATES HAVE GONE
KEY
- 41-100%
- 21-40%
- 11-20%
- 0-10%
RECENT EMPLOYERS
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Broker
Cushman & Wakefield
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Executive Legal Assistant
King & Spalding
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2nd Lieutenant
United States Army
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Staff Assistant
U.S. House of Representatives
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Policy Specialist
Arnold & Porter
RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
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Ph.D. Philosophy
Brown University
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M.Div.
Duke University
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J.D.
University of Georgia
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J.D.
Harvard University
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M.A. Higher Education & Student Affairs
University of Northern Colorado
COMMON CAREER AREAS
- Business
- Health Professions
- Education
- Law
- Government
- Real Estate
- Information Technology
FIND OUT MORE
Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.
Kelly Smith
Interim Chair
864-650-1093
kcs@clemson.edu