With cutting-edge courses such as Bioethics and the Deaf Community, Gallaudet's philosophy program is at the forefront of nationwide developments in this field.

Build Skills That Employers Value

How do we know what is real and what isn't? Are some medical advances, such as genetic engineering, immoral? What would a truly just society be like?

As you ponder questions such as this, you not only walk in the footsteps of the world's greatest thinkers, but you develop advanced skills that employers value. As a philosophy major, you will hone your ability to solve problems and write and think clearly. Graduates go on to careers in research, business, archiving, technical writing, applied ethics, communications, education, journalism, law, management and politics.

A philosophy major is particularly good preparation for law school because philosophy courses emphasize analyzing complex texts, synthesizing information, drawing inferences, evaluating arguments, and researching and writing papers.

See list of all Gallaudet majors

Keep reading to learn more about the philosophy program and career outcomes.

Photo of Dr. Barbara Stock. Philosophy Program Coordinator. Dr. Stock has long red hair which is pulled back; she is wearing a short sleeved green t-shirt. and is standing outside of the SAC against a red brick wall.

"William James defined philosophy as ‘the unusually stubborn attempt to think clearly.' I want our philosophy majors to develop excellent critical thinking skills and apply them to whatever they choose to do with the rest of their lives. I want them to think for themselves, evaluate the world around them, and decide how they want to contribute to it."
-Philosophy Professor Barbara Stock, Ph.D.

Courses and Degree Requirements

Apply Your Learning

Collaborate with faculty on their research. Join Gallaudet's Pre-Law Program to benefit from specialized advising, LSAT preparation, pre-law writing competitions and a mock trial program. Or gain experience through an internship or volunteer work related to your career goals.

Career Outcomes

All of Gallaudet's recent history, philosophy and sociology majors are employed (67 percent) or in graduate school (33 percent) within one year of graduation.

Learn more about alumni of the Department of History, Philosophy, Religion and Sociology.

Training and Job Outlook

A bachelor's degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Learn more.

To become a lawyer requires a law degree and passing a state's written bar examination. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent during this same time period, about as fast as average. Learn more.