What can you do with a philosophy degree from Bryn Mawr?

B R Y N
M A W R
Department of Philosophy
Thomas Hall, Bryn Mawr College
101 No. Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610/526-5332 fax: 610/526-7475

What can I do with a degree in philosophy from Bryn Mawr?

Connect to more answers to this question on our links page.

What is Philosophy?
"Philosophy is the systematic study of ideas and issues, a reasoned pursuit of fundamental truths, a quest for a comprehensive understanding of the world, a study of principles of conduct, and much more. Every domain of human existence raises questions to which its techniques and theories apply, and its methods may be used in the study of any subject or the pursuit of any vocation. Indeed, philosophy is in a sense inescapable: life confronts every thoughtful person with some philosophical questions, and nearly everyone is often guided by philosophical assumptions, even if unconsciously. One need not be unprepared. To a large extent one can choose how reflective one will be in clarifying and developing one's philosophical assumptions, and how well prepared one is for the philosophical questions life presents. Philosophical training enhances our problem-solving capacities our abilities to understand and express ideas, and our persuasive powers. It also develops understanding and enjoyment of things whose absence impoverishes many lives: such things as aesthetic experience, communication with many different kinds of people, lively discussion of current issues, the discerning observation of human behavior, and intellectual zest. In these and other ways the study of philosophy contributes immeasurably in both academic and other pursuits."*

*From: Philosophy A Brief Guide for Undergraduates,
American Philosophical Association, 1982.

What do Bryn Mawr alumnae do after graduating with a degree in philosophy?

Here are the job titles held by some Bryn Mawr alumnae who majored in philosophy:

Judge Attorney Editorial Assistant

Professor of Philosophy Director of Microcomputers Book Designer

Senior Librarian Archivist CEO (Bank)

Charitable Trusts Advisor Medical Student Environmental Attorney

Speech Pathologist Physician Music Director (Professional Orchestra)

Merchant Social Studies Teacher Paralegal

Reporter Minister Home-maker

Director of Social Work (Hospital) Consumer Market Analyst Child Psychiatrist

Hotel Manager Professor of Political Science College President

Sculptor Psychiatric Social Worker Psychotherapist

Professor of Law Fifth Grade Teacher Strategic Planning Manager

Justice Clerk Professor of Pharmacology Pediatrician

High School Teacher Chief of Federal Litigation (District Attorney's Office)

Philosophy Home
Bryn Mawr College Official Philosophy Page Philosophy at Haverford Philosophy at Swarthmore

Judge	Attorney	Editorial Assistant
Professor of Philosophy	Director of Microcomputers	Book Designer
Senior Librarian	Archivist	CEO (Bank)
Charitable Trusts Advisor	Medical Student	Environmental Attorney
Speech Pathologist	Physician	Music Director (Professional Orchestra)
Merchant	Social Studies Teacher	Paralegal
Reporter	Minister	Home-maker
Director of Social Work (Hospital)	Consumer Market Analyst	Child Psychiatrist
Hotel Manager	Professor of Political Science	College President
Sculptor	Psychiatric Social Worker	Psychotherapist
Professor of Law	Fifth Grade Teacher	Strategic Planning Manager
Justice Clerk	Professor of Pharmacology	Pediatrician
High School Teacher	Chief of Federal Litigation (District Attorney's Office)