Introduction
The philosophy major and minor emphasize critical analysis, problem-solving and the formulation and evaluation of arguments in oral and written contexts. Philosophy students learn to think logically and critically. The major also introduces students to a range of traditional philosophical issues and provides an opportunity to read carefully the works of some of the greatest thinkers in history.
Year-by-Year Plan
Freshman Year:
- Identify and clarify your interests, abilities, and values. Meet with a CSC Career Specialist to establish goals.
- Discuss requirements, prospective majors, and registration plans with an academic advisor.
- Use the Focus career assessment program available on the CSC website.
- Become familiar with the library and it’s resources.
- Clarify your interests and skills through classes, student organizations, community service and internships.
- Complete prerequisites and co requisites for courses in your major.
- Identify potential majors that relate to your interests and abilities; discuss them with a Career Specialist.
- Take advantage of Career Services workshops and events such as career fairs.
- Plan now to participate in a study abroad program as a junior or senior.
- Establish relationships with faculty members, Career Specialists, and administrators who will assist you.
- Establish a UMBCworks computer account.
Sophomore Year:
- Narrow down your choices for a major.
- Declare or apply for progression to a particular major (if you are ready).
- Attend Career Services major-related programs and fairs.
- Obtain relevant work experience through an internship, part-time job, summer job or by volunteering.
- Establish relationships with professors in your major to gain insight into the department, course offerings, research opportunities or independent study projects.
- Begin to identify what values are important to you in a job and career.
- Develop some short-term and long-term educational goals by meeting with a Career Specialist.
- Attend Career Workshops.
Junior Year:
- Relate your values, interests, and abilities to possible career choices.
- Develop your career goals by meeting with a CSC Career Specialist.
- Thoroughly research the occupations, which you are considering.
- Plan the remainder of your curriculum with an academic advisor.
- Use the Career Resource Center (MP212).
- Complete graduation application in the Office of the Registrar.
- Attend Career Workshops/programs and check out the on-line career seminars.
- Interview people in occupational areas that interest you about the nature of their jobs.
- Engage in or start planning appropriate research and independent study projects.
- Continue to increase your abilities through meaningful extracurricular activities, internships, co-ops, work, and volunteer experiences.
- Begin to research programs and entrance requirements if graduate school is in your future.
- Explore the Graduate School Resource website.
- Attend the Graduate School seminar and related programs.
- If you are headed to graduate school, begin to draft your statement of purpose and prepare for required exams.
- Seek a summer position that will give you direct experience in a field you wish to pursue after graduation.
- Prepare for graduate level standardized test such as the GRE, LSAT, and MCAT.
- Attend job fairs.
- Develop relationships with faculty and professionals.
- Consult with your advisor to ensure you are on track for graduation.
Senior Year:
- During late summer or early in the fall, check out the on-line on-campus interviewing seminar.
- Participate in on-campus interviews, attend Information Sessions, and Corporate Visibility Days.
- Sharpen your job-search skills early in the fall through the Career Services Center’s workshops/programs such as resume critiques, the mock interview program, and attending major-related career panels.
- Take graduate level standardized tests such as the GRE, LSAT and MCAT.
- Have your resume critiqued by a CSC Career Specialist.
- Utilize your on-line UMBCworks account.
- Finalize graduation plan with academic advisor.
- Take advantage of on-campus and off-campus interviewing programs.
- Network with professionals and alumni in your field about your job search techniques and opportunities.
- Research companies of interest to you; utilize Vault (on-line career library).
- Write letters of inquiry, visit employers, send follow-up letters and make phone calls.
- If your interest is so directed, apply to graduate schools and take all required entrance exams.
- Ask for letters of recommendation; check out Interfolio.com, an on-line credentialing service.
- Contact graduate schools about visits.
- Apply early for financial assistance.
- Be sure you have fulfilled all requirements for graduation.
- Attend career fairs to make contact with employers and to learn more about various career fields.
- Use the Internet in your job search.
- Continue to meet with a CSC Career Specialist on a regular basis.
- Focus on the position you want, and go for it!
- Share your post-graduation plans with CSC by completing the UMBC Graduation Report (available at www.careers.umbc.edu).
Career Boosters
Freshman Year:
Sophomore Year:
Junior Year:
Senior Year:
Curriculum
For official curriculum for this major, please visit the online undergraduate catalog. This site is your one-stop location for academic policies, major requirements, academic support services, and the first year experience.
Other links you may find of use:
