Philosophy
The mission of the Manchester University department of Philosophy is to help students explore the fundamental human questions of finding and making meaning in our lives. By requiring that students think critically and independently and write well, we instill skills that are valued across disciplines and prepare our students for a variety of careers and graduate programs.
Start Your Career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at Manchester University
Our philosophy program is streamlined to allow students to complement their studies with a second major or easily add a graduate-level certificate to their program.
The Manchester University Philosophy program studies questions of being, knowledge, action and the good, and examines conceptual frameworks and practices of other disciplines such as religious studies, art, psychology, and the natural sciences.
Program Information:
- 30 Credit Hours
Minor
- 21 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for Philosophy?
Interdisciplinary Exploration
Personalized Mentoring
Proven graduate outcomes
What You Can Do with Your Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy
Policy Analyst
Researches, evaluates, and develops policy solutions for government or nonprofit organizations.
Ethics Consultant
Advises businesses or institutions on ethical practices and moral decision-making.
College Instructor
Teaches philosophy courses and fosters critical thinking in undergraduate students.
Legal Assistant
Supports attorneys with research, document drafting, and case preparation using logic.
Average Starting Salary for Philosophy Degree Holders
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (grouped have a median annual wage of $60,000. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings nationwide, meaning half of graduates earn more and half earn less. It’s worth noting that about 65% of degree holders are employed in jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, and many go on to earn advanced degrees. While starting salaries can vary depending on career choice (for example, postsecondary philosophy instructors have higher wage ranges, with median earnings around $79,930 to $89,680 annually), a philosophy graduate entering the workforce directly can generally expect a beginning salary close to the overall median of $60,000.
Projected growth is strong in fields like tech ethics, public policy, nonprofit leadership, and education. As society grapples with complex moral and philosophical issues—such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and bioethics—the demand for people who can think critically and ethically is on the rise.
How the Philosophy Program Supports Your Growth
Program Highlights
A degree in philosophy fosters:
- Analytical Thinking
Ability to assess complex texts and ideas critically. - Cultural Competence
Understanding diverse belief systems and practices. - Communication Skills
Proficiency in articulating ideas clearly and persuasively. - Ethical Reasoning
Navigating moral dilemmas with informed judgment.
These skills are transferable and valued across multiple professions, making philosophy graduates adaptable in a dynamic job market.
Where Philosophy Can Lead
Philosophy majors pursue a wide array of careers, such as:
- Education
Teaching at religious or secular institutions, curriculum development, museum or cultural education, or educational administration. - Nonprofit and Social Services
Roles in community outreach, counseling, or program coordination within faith-based or secular organizations. - Law and Public Policy
Positions in legal practice, advocacy, or governmental agencies, often requiring further education. - Healthcare and Chaplaincy
Providing spiritual support in hospitals, military, or correctional facilities. - Media and Communications
Journalism, publishing, or public relations, utilizing strong writing and analytical skills. - Business and Consulting
Human resources or corporate responsibility coordinator.
Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in theology, religious studies, social work, or related fields to enhance their career prospects.
Meet the Faculty
Dr Katharine Gray Brown
Professor of Philosophy and Peace Studies, Director of the Peace Studies Program, and Dept Chair of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Philosophy Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate critical and independent thinking
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explicate, elucidate, and evaluate philosophical arguments.
2. Develop a sense of self and of responsibility to others with respect to philosophical frameworks.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Understand major philosophical theories and their applications
- Analyze the assumptions that underlie different ways of understanding the human and natural world
- Apply philosophical frameworks to personal and social circumstances and evaluate these positions.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.