Majoring in Philosophy or Religion

What can you do with a Philosophy or Religion major? Whatever you like! These degrees are preparation for professional degrees, graduate school, countless types of jobs, and most of all, for life.

Statistics indicate that Philosophy and Religion majors perform very well on standardized texts for professional schools.

• On the GRE (the "SAT for graduate school"), philosophy majors place first (83rd percentile) in the Verbal section of the test, ahead of English and Literature majors. Religion majors tied for 3rd (71st percentile) with History majors.
• In the Analytical Writing section of the GRE, philosophy and religion majors are first and second, respectively, with average scores in the 73rd and 70th percentiles. (English and Literature is tied with Religion.)
• On the GMAT (the entrance exam for business schools), philosophy majors were 5th out of 42 majors—63rd percentile—ahead of all Business and professional majors, and behind only Physics, Math, Engineering, and Computer Science majors. (The GMAT doesn't keep statistics for Religion majors.)
• On the LSAT (the entrance exam for law school admissions), Philosophy and Religion (taken together) were behind only Physics and Math majors, with an average score of 157.4 (75th percentile).
  

We think there is a simple explanation for this: Both majors provide excellent preparation in critical thinking and close analytical reading of a wide array of academic texts, while enhancing general cultural literacy and sensitivity to varying viewpoints. Philosophy and Religion majors learn to think on their feet, a quality much in need for the professions.

Most Philosophy and Religion majors enter the workforce in a wide variety of occupations. Interest in philosophy and religion can translate well into careers in public affairs, social work, education, and corporate administration. Some Philosophy and Religion majors choose to go on to graduate school in these disciplines, pursuing careers as scholars and teachers.

Studying philosophy and religion nurtures a lifelong love of learning, enriching the rest of your life with curiosity and openness to the world. Knowing how to think about questions of value is a skill that helps anyone navigate through life, working out how best to be a good person, partner, parent, and citizen.