Philosophy is the love of wisdom. Whether you are considering your professional life, your personal life, or your communal life, the same skills will allow you to live that life wisely and so will lead to that life being successful, particularly in the 21st Century. Philosophy courses at Buffalo State concentrate on the development of these 21st Century skills.
These are the skills that are needed for successful friendships, relationships, government, and careers. As the Center for Public Education explains in its article "Defining a 21st Century Education":
Computers are substituting for humans in performing "routine" work tasks that require the rote following of rules or directions. At the same time, workers are increasingly being required to perform more complex thinking tasks that computers still cannot perform, such as those that involve complex interaction with other humans (whether collaborating, persuading, or selling), or that require solving unexpected problems. Strong math (logic), reading, and writing skills—"the three R's"—are essential, too, since they form the foundation for complex communication and expert thinking. Research shows that students who develop a broad set of in-demand competencies—the ability to think critically about information, solve novel problems, communicate and collaborate, create new products and processes, and adapt to change--will be at a great advantage in work and life.
Also, you might want to check out alumni stories, which talk about how our alumni use these skills in their careers.
Philosophy is the only major (or minor) that will help you with any career path. It is worth remembering that most people who start their careers in the 21st Century will change career paths multiple times. The skills you learn in philosophy classes will help you navigate this ever-changing world of work with efficiency and success. How can this be? Philosophy, as the founding discipline of many areas of research, provides skills needed by all of these other areas, and so it is a natural complement to many different disciplines today.
In the past, majors from these disciplines have found philosophy an excellent way to enhance and broaden their studies and skills: biology, business, communications, computer science, criminal justice, earth sciences, economics, education, English, history, mathematics, psychology, political science, social work, and sociology. Students from other majors are encouraged to consult our philosophy faculty for advice on which philosohy courses will best complement their interests.
So, even if your heart is set on starting a career in a field that requires you to major in a particular subject that's not philosophy, you might want to consider a minor in either ethics or philosophy, or adding a second major in philosophy.
The religious studies program equips students with skills that help them to be competitive in their academic, professional and social lives. The courses in our religious studies minor have three objectives:
Our students always find the religious studies program both valuable and essential. Students across various disciplines have stated the following reasons for choosing to enroll in our program.
Stop by to the department office, Buckham B221, Monday through Friday, to pick up an application for the philosophy major or ethics, philosophy, or religious studies minors.
While all faculty in the department are happy to provide majors and minors with advice on their academic and career goals, the primary adviser is Dr. Jason Grinnell. Philosophy majors should also consult this advisement information sheet. New philosophy majors should complete this plan of study.
Buffalo State's philosophy major provides you with skills that will help you in any career. Check out our alumni stories for some ideas. Philosophy majors also do well on tests such as the GRE, LSAT, and MCAT, which are required for admission into law school, medical school, and other graduate programs, including philosophy.
Students who complete the religious studies minor are also well prepared to pursue careers in a diverse collection of areas and can consider advanced degrees in divinity, theology, or religious studies.
Read the APA Guide: Who Studies Philosophy?
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