Philosophy Degree
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Complete PHIL 1204, PHIL 1304, and PHIL 1504
- Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests
- Explore potential minors or second majors
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Go to Gobblerfest and join clubs like Ethics Bowl or Philosophy Club
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Attend a First Friday Pizza Forum
- Explore study abroad opportunities and connect with the Global Education Office
Career Development
- Begin developing your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Research career goals and internship opportunities
- Meet with Career and Professional Development to discuss interests
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish a connection with at least one PPE Core Faculty member
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor
- Take intermediate courses in the History of Philosophy and PHIL 3505
- Attend a college or departmental info session on research opportunities
- Add upper level courses to satisfy core degree requirements or electives
- Finalize plans for minor/second major
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Attend a department colloquium
- Submit work to Philologia Journal
- Identify a research focus and collaborate with faculty to develop a plan
- Serve in a leadership role in a student organization
- Mentor newer students or support departmental initiatives
- Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Pursue a summer job or internship related to your major or career goals
- Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile
- Plan for graduate school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or postgrad job search
- Apply for competitive internships or fellowships
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience
- Declare second majors or minors
- Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Consider attending a conference or pursuing publication of research in an undergraduate research journal
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Finalize undergraduate research, if completing
- Help plan department events, such as the Annual Kickoff Party
- Serve in leadership roles
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences
- Complete LSAT or MCAT
- Apply to jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
- Reflect on experiential learning and leverage it in interviews
- Attend college and university professional development events
- Complete the First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
Finding
Your Future
in Philosophy
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Analyze complex ideas and problems
- Develop logical, evidence-based arguments
- Communicate with clarity and precision
- Address ethical questions and challenges
- Adapt across careers, industries, and graduate study
Common job titles include:
- Attorney
- Research Associate
- Consultant
- International Trade Specialist
- Professor
- Data Scientist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physical Therapist
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Georgetown University
- College of William and Mary
- Virginia Tech
- Capital One
- Inova Health System
- NASA
- EY
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.