Philosophy, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Philosophy, Other.: The DTI for this program is 70.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Philosophy, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $30509) to the average debt ($21603) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Philosophy, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 70.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Philosophy, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($30509) against the typical student debt ($21603), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Philosophy, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $30509, and with an average debt of $21603, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.71—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 9331 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Philosophy, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Philosophy, Other (CIP 38.0199) is an intellectually rigorous and deeply reflective field focused on examining the fundamental questions of existence, knowledge, ethics, meaning, and reasoning. This classification includes flexible or specialized philosophy programs that do not fall under a single traditional concentration, allowing students to explore philosophical inquiry across cultures, eras, and applied contexts. Rather than training for one specific job title, philosophy develops the core intellectual skills that underpin critical thinking, ethical judgment, and clear reasoning in every profession.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents one of the most timeless yet future-proof fields of study. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, complex social challenges, and ethical uncertainty, philosophy provides the tools to ask better questions, evaluate arguments, and make principled decisions. Employers consistently value philosophy graduates for their ability to think clearly, communicate precisely, and reason under ambiguity—skills that remain relevant regardless of technological change.
What Is a Philosophy Degree?
A Philosophy degree is a humanities-based program devoted to the systematic study of ideas, arguments, and values. Programs classified as “Other” typically allow for customized or interdisciplinary approaches, such as applied ethics, philosophy of technology, global philosophy, logic-heavy tracks, or combinations with political theory, religion, science, or law.
Rather than focusing on memorization, philosophy emphasizes:
- Careful reading and interpretation of complex texts
- Constructing and evaluating logical arguments
- Examining ethical dilemmas and moral frameworks
- Questioning assumptions about reality, truth, and knowledge
- Writing and speaking with clarity and precision
Institutions offer Philosophy programs to:
- Develop students’ critical reasoning and analytical skills
- Prepare graduates for diverse professional and academic paths
- Support ethical thinking in public, private, and civic life
- Provide strong preparation for graduate and professional school
This degree is especially valuable for students who enjoy deep thinking, discussion, and intellectual challenge.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how to analyze ideas rigorously, evaluate competing viewpoints, and articulate their own positions clearly. You’ll be trained to break down complex problems, identify hidden assumptions, and reason carefully toward defensible conclusions.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Critical and logical reasoning—evaluating arguments and evidence
- Analytical reading—interpreting dense and abstract texts
- Clear writing and argumentation—expressing ideas precisely
- Ethical reasoning—analyzing moral dilemmas and values
- Conceptual problem-solving—clarifying complex issues
- Abstract thinking—working with ideas beyond concrete facts
- Oral communication—discussion, debate, and presentation
- Intellectual independence—forming and defending original views
These skills are transferable and highly valued across industries.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework varies widely, but commonly includes:
- Ethics: moral philosophy, applied ethics, and social responsibility
- Logic: formal and informal reasoning, argument structure
- Epistemology: the nature and limits of knowledge
- Metaphysics: reality, identity, time, and causation
- Political Philosophy: justice, rights, and governance
- Philosophy of Mind: consciousness, cognition, and identity
- Philosophy of Science: scientific reasoning and explanation
- Philosophy of Technology: ethics of AI, data, and innovation
- Global or Comparative Philosophy: non-Western traditions and perspectives
Many programs culminate in a substantial research paper or capstone project.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Philosophy degree does not funnel graduates into a single career. Instead, it equips them with high-level reasoning and communication skills that open doors across many fields. Outcomes depend on experience, complementary skills, and further education.
Common career paths include:
- Law and Legal Fields: lawyers, legal analysts, policy advisors
- Public Policy or Government Roles: analysts, researchers, advisors
- Business and Consulting: strategy, operations, ethics roles
- Technology and Ethics Roles: AI ethics, policy, governance
- Education and Academia: teaching and research (often with graduate study)
- Writing, Journalism, or Communications: content and analysis roles
- Human Resources or Organizational Development: ethics and decision-making support
- Graduate or Professional School Path: law, philosophy, public policy, or related fields
Philosophy majors consistently perform well on graduate admissions exams due to strong reasoning skills.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in sectors that value thinking, judgment, and communication:
- Law firms and courts
- Government agencies and think tanks
- Corporations and consulting firms
- Technology companies
- Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
- Education and research institutions
- Media, publishing, and communications
Philosophy graduates often advance into leadership roles due to strong decision-making abilities.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on industry and further education.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level analytical or communication roles: often $45,000–$65,000
- Mid-career professionals in business, policy, or tech: commonly $70,000–$110,000
- Law, consulting, or senior roles: can exceed $120,000+
Philosophy majors who pursue law or business often achieve above-average lifetime earnings.
Is This Degree Hard?
Philosophy is considered intellectually demanding. It requires sustained concentration, comfort with abstraction, and willingness to question deeply held assumptions. There are few right-or-wrong answers; instead, students are evaluated on the quality of their reasoning and clarity of expression.
The challenge lies in thinking rigorously and defending ideas logically, not memorizing information.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy deep thinking and asking “why” questions
- Like reading, writing, and structured debate
- Are interested in ethics, meaning, or truth
- Want versatile skills applicable to many careers
- Plan to pursue law, policy, academia, or leadership roles
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a philosophy program:
- Take English, history, and social science courses
- Practice analytical writing and argumentation
- Engage in debate, discussion, or ethics clubs
- Read classic and contemporary philosophical works
- Develop curiosity and comfort with complex ideas
Philosophy, Other (CIP 38.0199) is a degree for students who want to sharpen the mind itself. It provides a powerful intellectual toolkit—logic, ethics, and critical reasoning—that remains valuable across industries, technologies, and generations.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor