Philosophy – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BA)
Earn Your Bachelor's in Philosophy at UM
What is the world like? How do I know about it? What ought I to do? When you earn your bachelor’s degree in philosophy at UM, you’ll explore these questions and more — and gain skills that will prepare you for success in your life and career.
Philosophy teaches you how to think clearly and solve complex problems. As a philosophy major, you’ll improve your ability to reason, speak and write effectively, and be a critical and constructive participant in society. At UM, you’ll have the extra benefit of small classes and opportunities to interact one-on-one with faculty who are internationally recognized scholars. We are also known as one of the best schools to study environmental philosophy.
students per seminar class
estimated average salary for mid-career UM graduates with a bachelor’s in philosophy
of UM philosophy graduates work in a field related to their program of study
What can you do with a philosophy degree?
When you earn your degree in philosophy at the University of Montana, you’ll be able to apply what you learn to a variety of professional settings.
Graduates of philosophy programs are small business owners, chief executives of large companies and nonprofit organization leaders. Some go on to study law and become attorneys — philosophy majors are among the top-scoring students who take the LSAT, the law school admission exam. Majors in philosophy also have the highest acceptance rate to medical school according to statistics from the American Medical College Application Service. Others pursue their passion as teachers and professors.
Philosophy jobs
What can you do with a philosophy degree? Careers for philosophy majors include:
- Lawyer
- Paralegal
- Sales and marketing manager
- Public relations specialist
- Business executive
- Teacher or college professor
- Journalist
- Counselor
- Research analyst
- Small business owner
- Nonprofit professional
Philosophy salaries
Philosophy majors have a median mid-career salary of $85,000. We estimate that graduates of our bachelor’s degree in philosophy earn an average of $78,680 per year. According to Payscale, early-career UM graduates with a bachelor’s in philosophy earn an average estimated salary of $52,600 while mid-career graduates earn an average of $94,300.
Alumni Success Story
“Philosophy provides you with the ability to think. Use this talent to impress upon potential employers your ability to provide well-developed ideas on how you would improve the business or organization. Your critical thinking skills and logic are your greatest assets.”
- Geoff Elliot, UM philosophy degree graduate,
conservation corps manager for Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Experiential learning in the philosophy degree program
At UM, you’ll find many different kinds of opportunities to get involved and gain real-world experience working in the field as you pursue your bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Some of our students volunteer as a court appointed special advocates, serving in the court system to support the well-being of children. Other students participate in internships with local and national organizations.
Study abroad for philosophy majors
Explore philosophy overseas, experience a new culture and enrich your life and education in the process. We offer a variety of study abroad programs that take you around the globe. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the University of Montana.
Career development in the philosophy major
At UM, we’re here to help you succeed in your career as well as in the classroom. That includes finding every chance we can to help you build your professional network and connect with potential job opportunities while you’re a student — and nowhere is this more true than in our philosophy program.
From internships programs to the student Philosophy Society, you’ll find all kinds of ways to get involved, meet people in your field of interest and start building inroads for your future.
Explore classes for philosophy majors
The bachelor’s degree in philosophy at UM includes courses across continental and analytic traditions in philosophy with a special emphasis in environmental ethics and the intersection of law and philosophy.
View all classes for the philosophy bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana.