What Can You Do with a Philosophy Degree?

Explore the Skills, Career Paths, and Academic Opportunities Available with an Online BA in Philosophy from LSU New Orleans

Philosophy offers more than the study of abstract ideas. It helps students develop skills in critical thinking, logic, ethical reasoning, analysis, and communication that can support a variety of academic and professional paths. While a philosophy degree does not prepare graduates for one specific occupation, its broad academic foundation can support a range of professional and academic goals.

The online BA in Philosophy from LSU New Orleans provides a flexible way to develop these skills while pursuing a bachelor's degree. With no residency requirements, students can complete the program online without relocating or putting work and other commitments on hold.

Build In-Demand Skills with a Philosophy Degree

A philosophy degree teaches students to examine complex ideas, evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and develop and defend well-reasoned positions. These skills can apply across industries where critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and ethical decision-making are important.

Through its curriculum, the online BA in Philosophy from LSU New Orleans develops these skills through the study of analytical reasoning, argumentation, critical thinking, and written and verbal communication.

These skills can be valuable in fields such as business, law, healthcare, education, and public service. Analytical and argumentative skills can support professionals who evaluate complex information and make decisions, while ethical reasoning can be useful in fields where professionals regularly navigate questions involving responsibility, competing interests, and human well-being.

According to Lightcast data, occupations associated with a BA in Philosophy are projected to grow by 8.2% over the next decade. Rather than preparing graduates for one specific job, philosophy provides a broad foundation that can adapt as career interests and professional opportunities evolve.

Prepare for Graduate and Professional School

A philosophy degree can provide a strong foundation for students planning to pursue advanced education, including graduate and professional programs. Through the study of philosophy, students develop skills in logical reasoning, close reading, argumentation, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning that can support success in advanced academic and professional environments. Research published in the Journal of the American Philosophical Association in 2025 found that philosophy majors demonstrated stronger verbal and logical reasoning skills than students in other majors, including on the GRE Verbal and LSAT.

These skills can support a variety of academic and professional pathways after graduation, including law, graduate research, and medicine. By learning to evaluate complex ideas, construct and assess arguments, and communicate their reasoning clearly, philosophy students can build a strong foundation for advanced study and professional careers.

Career Flexibility and Opportunities

The broad skill set developed through philosophy can support a variety of career paths across different industries and occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 544,000 people with philosophy and religion degrees were employed in 2023. Of these degree holders, 67% worked in occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, while 59% held an advanced degree. Graduates worked across occupational areas including management, education, legal professions, community and social services, and business and financial operations.

This range of occupations illustrates how the skills developed through philosophy can be applied across different professional environments. A philosophy degree can provide a versatile academic foundation for students who plan to pursue additional education, enter the workforce, or combine philosophical study with professional training in another field.

The online format of the LSU New Orleans BA in Philosophy also provides flexibility for students balancing education with other commitments. Students can complete the degree without a residency requirement, making it possible to continue their education without relocating or putting work and family commitments on hold.

The program is designed to accommodate a range of learners, including transfer students, adults returning to college, and post-baccalaureate students pursuing philosophy for personal or professional growth.

Is a Philosophy Degree Worth It?

A philosophy degree can be a valuable choice for students who want to prepare for graduate or professional education, explore a range of career paths, or develop a versatile academic foundation. Its value comes not from preparing graduates for one specific occupation, but from providing skills that can be applied across different academic and professional settings.

The online BA in Philosophy from LSU New Orleans combines this broad academic foundation with the flexibility of online study. Whether finishing a degree, changing direction, or pursuing a long-standing interest in philosophy, students can work toward their academic and career goals without relocating.

Explore the online BA in Philosophy and take the next step toward earning your degree on your terms.