Philosophy
What can I do with my degree in Philosophy?
About the program
Philosophers reflect on some of the world’s most serious problems: the basis of ethical action, human rights, global justice or our relationship with the environment and they ask questions about the mind, knowledge, science, identity, gender and sexuality. As a philosophy student you will learn to analyze ideas and arguments, to read, write and reason well, and build skills for speech and debate. As you reflect on the assumptions that inform our social, political, and scientific practices, you will think about, and relate to, the political, social and natural world in an entirely new way.
An undergraduate degree in philosophy is the stepping stone to graduate studies or a wide variety of careers that require critical thinking, careful writing, or superior communication skills. For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of Philosophy.
Skills developed
As a student in Philosophy, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.
- Concept formulation skills
- Constructing and assessing rational arguments and defending ideas
- Strong research skills
- Ability to summarize and synthesize complicated material
- Presenting alternative viewpoints
- Theory development skills
- Cause-effect analysis
- Debating skills
- Skillful reasoning
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding comprehensively
- Read critically and write persuasively
- Explain complex concepts and ideas to others effectively
- Write reports and essays
- Explain complex concepts and theories efficiently
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Manage tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Delegate
- Manage conflict
- Give and receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Negotiate
- Observe and interpret data
- Analyze and evaluate conflicting information to make a good judgement or conclusion
- Understand complex problems and identify solutions
- Advertising agencies
- Archives
- Bookstores
- Civic organizations
- Community and social services
- Consulting firms
- Correctional and rehabilitation services
- Cultural organizations
- Ethnic and cultural organizations
- Educational institutions
- Financial institutions
- Government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal)
- Health-related services
- Historical societies
- Insurance companies
- Labour relations
- Law firms
- Management consulting firms
- Newspaper and publishing industry
- Nonprofit and non-governmental organizations
- Public relations
- Radio and television stations
- Real estate agencies
- Religious institutions
- Research centres
What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Advocacy Program Coordinator
- Facilitator
- Fundraising Assistant
- Intervention Worker
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Youth Worker
- Public Relations Coordinator / Consultant
- Writer
- Editorial Assistant
- Grant / Proposal Writer
- Journalist
- Purchasing Agent
- Administrator
- Market Research Analyst
- Job Analyst
- Recruiter
- Junior Consultant
- Insurance Agent
- Compliance Associate
- Program / Public Affairs Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Political Consultant
- Intelligence Analyst
- Political Attaché
- Foreign Service Officer
- Research Assistant
- Academic Advisor
- Program Administrator / Coordinator
Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in Philosophy
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Announcer
- Archivist
- Biomedical / Environmental Ethicist
- Book Publishing Manager
- College Teacher
- Columnist
- Critic
- Diplomat
- Editor
- Ethics / Compliance Advisor
- Lobbyist
- Mediator
- Philosopher
- Political Scientist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publisher
- Social Scientist
- Speech Writer
- Technical Writer
- University Professor
- Writer
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
Want job search tips tailored to your goals and needs? Book an appointment with one of our Career Counsellors or Career Advisors by calling 514-848-2424, ext. 7345.*
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
