Detail from the 1787 painting "The Death of Socrates," by Jacques-Louis David, featuring Socrates seated and surrounded by his students.

PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is the rational study of the ultimate questions of human existence. The word philosophy means “love of wisdom,” and its subjects range from logic and critical thinking to metaphysics and religion.

Philosophy investigates questions like: What is reality? Does a deity exist? What is a person? Do we have free will or are we determined? What is knowledge? How do we know whether a claim is true or false? How should we distinguish between right and wrong?

Many people can explain what they believe but cannot adequately explain why they believe it. Philosophy involves weighing the arguments on both sides of these and other important issues.

Philosophy courses at Kellogg Community College contribute to the completion of KCC degrees including Associate in Arts, General Studies, Global and International Studies and degrees in occupational disciplines. For more information about philosophy studies at KCC, see:

Advising & Transfer

View transfer guides outlining opportunities for students looking to transfer their KCC credits to a four-year institution. Contact Academic Advising at 269-965-4124 or advising@kellogg.edu to schedule an appointment to plot a personal transfer plan.

Additional Information

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Philosophy Careers
 
Most people major in philosophy to prepare for graduate school in other disciplines. Only 36% of philosophy majors intend to take jobs in areas closely related to philosophy, such as academia, applied ethics or ministry, while 64% intend to take jobs in unrelated areas such as medicine, law or business.

Possible job titles for graduates with an education in philosophy include:

  • Business administrator
  • Clergy
  • Ethics compliance officer
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Management analyst
  • Marketing research analyst
  • Physician
  • Professor
  • Public relations director
  • Public policy manager

Preparation for Grad School

The benefits of an education in philosophy are vast and evident across a wide range of career fields and industries. According to the American Medical Student Association, philosophy majors have the highest medical school acceptance rate of all majors, at more than 50%. And according to the American Philosophical Association, philosophy majors consistently have the highest scores in the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) of the 12 largest majors entering law school. Additionally, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council, philosophy majors consistently score higher than economics and business majors on the “Integrated Reasoning” portion of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the assessment for applicants to business school.

Philosophy majors also score the highest of all majors on the “Analytical Writing” and “Verbal Reasoning” portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the standardized test taken by applicants to graduate school. This demonstrates how excellent majoring in philosophy is as preparation for graduate school.

A Transferable Work Skill

Philosophy is a rigorous and highly respected major that hones critical thinking. It equips students with skills in identifying, analyzing and solving problems. It sharpens their ability to develop and formulate sound explanations and to communicate effectively. The capability to assess an argument for logical fallacies is a valuable life skill. Philosophy gives students the capacity to engage in the type of disciplined intellectual application that is required for academic success.

Students are often warned against specializing too narrowly in their education. Given the ever-changing economy, it is impossible to predict the particular skills that will be in demand in the decades to come. What is certain, however, is that people seeking interesting, well-paying jobs will need the ability to analyze problems and formulate solutions and to present their ideas clearly and persuasively. That is one reason why philosophy majors advance more rapidly in their chosen professions than many of those who lack this training.

According to the results of a one-year PayScale study on people with only bachelor’s degrees, philosophy majors tied for first place among degrees that increased in salary the most from starting pay to mid-career pay, demonstrating a 103.5 % increase. Employers want people who can make knowledgeable decisions and thoroughly examine the consequences of actions. That makes philosophy a significant “transferable work skill.”

Projected Job Outlook & Salary Information

For the latest employment and wage estimates for philosophy careers in Michigan, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm.

Why Study Philosophy at KCC?
 
KCC is a nationally accredited, affordable two-year college that provides high-quality Philosophy courses. Many students choose to transfer KCC Philosophy courses to four-year universities. KCC’s faculty are well-qualified instructors with a passion for teaching, and the College’s small class sizes create a more interactive and personal learning environment.

Flexible Classes

KCC Philosophy courses are offered at a variety of times and are delivered through varying modes of instruction to help students create a schedule that allows them flexibility to complete their degrees. Online and evening KCC Philosophy courses allow for more versatile education.

A Variety of Subjects

KCC Philosophy courses cover a wide variety of topics, including:

  • Ethics
  • General philosophy
  • Independent study
  • Special topics including cults and new religious movements
  • Survey of the Bible
  • World religions
  • And more!

Philosophy Contacts

Chris Jakway

Chris Jakway

Faculty, Philosophy