Your degree in Philosophy

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Philosophy, you’re learning how to use curiosity and logic to go beyond face-value assumptions and challenge accepted wisdom. You’ll develop important skills grounded in analytic philosophy, with a focus on the philosophy of mind, history and philosophy of science, value theory, and history of philosophy.

These skills may include:

  • Recognizing and articulating fundamental questions about what exists, what we can know, and how we should live our lives
  • Acknowledging underrepresented points of view and ways of knowing 
  • Identifying and applying research methods used to articulate and defend precise philosophical positions 
  • Rigorous reasoning showing sensitivity to issues of translation, textual transmission, and the historical and cultural context in which philosophical ideas develop
  • Public speaking and debating that demonstrate critical and reflective thinking, problem solving, and carefully reasoned arguments
  • Persuasively expressing views and anticipating or refuting objections
  • Clear and concise written communication illustrating rational and logical thinking
  • Applying philosophical learning to important public issues and articulating the value these perspectives add

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including education, government, non-profit, business, law, health, publishing, media, the arts, consulting, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Advertising coordinator
  • Appraiser 
  • Archivist
  • Bibliographer
  • Bioethicist
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications specialist
  • Communications policy researcher
  • Community development worker
  • Computer programmer
  • Copywriter
  • Counsellor
  • Curator
  • Documentarian/Filmmaker
  • Elections officer
  • Filmmaker
  • Financial planner
  • Fundraiser/Grant writer
  • Foreign service officer
  • Human resources manager
  • Human rights officer
  • Immigration officer
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Intelligence investigator
  • International development worker
  • Journalist
  • Judicial clerk
  • Labour organizer
  • Labour relations mediator
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Lobbyist
  • Media/Information consultant
  • Mediator
  • News analyst
  • Paralegal
  • Parliamentary assistant
  • Patent agent
  • Public opinion interviewer
  • Public relations specialist
  • Social policy researcher
  • Social worker
  • Student affairs professional
  • Speech writer
  • Student affairs and employment officer
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Technical writer
  • Tourism consultant
  • Urban and Land Use Planning
  • Writer

Make the most of your specialization

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Philosophy graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths. 

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.