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We are a large philosophy department for a small college with a small number of majors: the ratio of majors to full-time faculty is less than two to one. The department’s areas of strength include social and political philosophy, aesthetics (i.e., philosophy of art), ethics, and the history of philosophy (particularly ancient and medieval philosophy).

Many of our majors have taken extensive courses in religious studies, political science, literature, foreign languages, theater arts, and music. It is also possible to be certified in Elementary/Special Education with a philosophy major. Philosophy majors are eligible to participate in the 3+3 pathway to law school at Syracuse University and Suffolk University.

There are several funded enrichment opportunities for philosophy majors at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê. These include travel to undergraduate conferences across the country, study abroad, internships, and post-graduate fellowships. Participation in Symposium, the student philosophy club, enriches your experience of the philosophy major.

Philosophy prepares students for every career. More than any other major, the Philosophy major trains students to think critically. Students learn how to logically evaluate and assess reasoning, construct their own arguments, and consider alternative possibilities with a view to strengthening their own positions. Philosophy students are also trained to present arguments persuasively in both speech and writing. These skills translate into the abilities to communicate effectively and to problem-solve in creative and imaginative ways. Critical thinking is required in every career. So, there is no career path that will not be enhanced by the study of philosophy. Le Moyne Philosophy graduates have held such jobs as: 

• Consultant on Bioethics and Public Policy
• Librarian/Treasurer
• Director of Knowledge Management
• Executive Director of Advancement
• Dean of Students

While some Philosophy majors end up teaching philosophy, the vast majority do not. Many successful entrepreneurs and business people were Philosophy majors: Carl Icahn, George Soros, Carly Fiorina, and Peter Thiel all have degrees in philosophy. Many prominent entertainers and artists were also Philosophy majors: Stephen Colbert, Wes Anderson, Gene Siskel, Susan Sarandon, Alex Trebek studied philosophy. There are also many Philosophy majors in government: Supreme Court Justices Breyer and Souter both have degrees in philosophy.

However, the Philosophy major does have especially direct application for certain career paths—most prominently, law school. 

According to one study, Philosophy majors are accepted at a higher rate (82%) into Law School than any other major. And no major scores higher on the LSAT than Philosophy majors.

Speaking of standardized tests, Philosophy majors also perform best or near best on the GRE compared to all other majors. The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is required for many graduate programs of study. Philosophy majors consistently score better than any other major in the areas of Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing.   

When one majors in Philosophy, one does not get specialized training for one skill or job. Rather, one develops a set of broad capacities and skills that enables a person to learn and adapt to any professional situation. Twenty years out of college, Philosophy majors earn more than any other humanities major. By mid-career, Philosophy majors are in the top 25% of earners. For a website that collects articles on the career benefits of a Philosophy major, see

Philosophy Major
Distinctive Courses: Philosophy of Race; Self-Care and Philosophy; The Experience of Time; Philosophy and Erotic Love; Philosophies of Judaism 
Philosophy Minor