7 answers
Ollie
Student
Carson City, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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How would I start looking for colleges?
I want to be a philosophy professor, but I don't know how to pick a school. A lot of schools I think I want to go to don't take philosophy very seriously :(
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would also go online, at a university website and register.
Universities and colleges have information pages where you can click on and register your name, address, and other information, and begin receiving messages and information from the institution on their programs, majors, activities and campus life.
Universities and colleges have information pages where you can click on and register your name, address, and other information, and begin receiving messages and information from the institution on their programs, majors, activities and campus life.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6474
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ollie,
To begin your college search as a philosophy major to become a philosophy professor, follow these steps:
Identify Your Preferences: Consider factors such as location, size, cost, and academic reputation when choosing colleges. Research universities that have strong philosophy departments and a history of producing successful philosophy professors.
Explore Philosophy Programs: Visit the websites of potential colleges and universities to learn about their philosophy programs. Look for information on faculty research areas, course offerings, and opportunities for graduate study or research.
Contact Philosophy Departments: Reach out to philosophy departments at target schools to gather more information about their programs and faculty. You can email professors or department chairs to ask about their research interests, teaching styles, and advice for prospective students.
Attend Campus Visits: Schedule campus visits to get a feel for the school’s culture and community. Attend classes, meet with professors, and speak with current students to determine if the program aligns with your goals and learning style.
Consider Graduate School: If you plan on pursuing a Ph.D., consider attending graduate school at a top-tier university known for its philosophy program. This will provide you with the best possible foundation for a career in academia.
Apply Early: Apply to colleges early in the admissions cycle to increase your chances of acceptance and financial aid opportunities. Be sure to submit all required application materials, including transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores (if required).
Financial Aid: Explore financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help cover tuition costs. Research institutions that offer need-based financial aid or merit scholarships specifically for philosophy majors or graduate students in the field of philosophy.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the field of philosophy through organizations like the American Philosophical Association (APA) or local philosophical societies to learn about job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the academic world.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on trends in higher education and academic job markets by following news sources like Inside Higher Ed or The Chronicle of Higher Education. This will help you make informed decisions about your college search and future career prospects as a philosophy professor.
Authoritative References Used:
American Philosophical Association (APA) - https://www://www..org/
Inside Higher Ed - https://www://www..com/
The Chronicle of Higher Education - https://www://www..com/
God Bless,
JC.
To begin your college search as a philosophy major to become a philosophy professor, follow these steps:
Identify Your Preferences: Consider factors such as location, size, cost, and academic reputation when choosing colleges. Research universities that have strong philosophy departments and a history of producing successful philosophy professors.
Explore Philosophy Programs: Visit the websites of potential colleges and universities to learn about their philosophy programs. Look for information on faculty research areas, course offerings, and opportunities for graduate study or research.
Contact Philosophy Departments: Reach out to philosophy departments at target schools to gather more information about their programs and faculty. You can email professors or department chairs to ask about their research interests, teaching styles, and advice for prospective students.
Attend Campus Visits: Schedule campus visits to get a feel for the school’s culture and community. Attend classes, meet with professors, and speak with current students to determine if the program aligns with your goals and learning style.
Consider Graduate School: If you plan on pursuing a Ph.D., consider attending graduate school at a top-tier university known for its philosophy program. This will provide you with the best possible foundation for a career in academia.
Apply Early: Apply to colleges early in the admissions cycle to increase your chances of acceptance and financial aid opportunities. Be sure to submit all required application materials, including transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores (if required).
Financial Aid: Explore financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs to help cover tuition costs. Research institutions that offer need-based financial aid or merit scholarships specifically for philosophy majors or graduate students in the field of philosophy.
Networking: Connect with professionals in the field of philosophy through organizations like the American Philosophical Association (APA) or local philosophical societies to learn about job opportunities and gain valuable insights into the academic world.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on trends in higher education and academic job markets by following news sources like Inside Higher Ed or The Chronicle of Higher Education. This will help you make informed decisions about your college search and future career prospects as a philosophy professor.
Authoritative References Used:
American Philosophical Association (APA) - https://www://www..org/
Inside Higher Ed - https://www://www..com/
The Chronicle of Higher Education - https://www://www..com/
God Bless,
JC.
Anahi diaz
84
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
When searching for colleges for philosophy, here are some steps you can take to begin your exploration:
1. Research Philosophy Programs: Start by researching colleges and universities that offer strong philosophy programs. Look for institutions known for their philosophy departments, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and the breadth of philosophy courses they offer. Online resources, college ranking websites, and college search engines can be valuable tools in this process.
2. Determine Your Preferences: Consider your preferences for the type of college or university you would like to attend. Factors such as location, size, campus culture, resources, and extracurricular activities can influence your college experience. Reflect on what aspects are important to you and create a list of criteria to guide your search.
3. Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions: College fairs and information sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about different institutions and interact with admissions representatives. These events often feature specific sessions or representatives focused on the humanities, including philosophy.
4. Visit College Websites: Visit the websites of the colleges or universities you are interested in. Explore their philosophy department pages to learn about their faculty, research areas, curriculum, and any specialized programs they offer. Take note of any unique features or opportunities that align with your interests.
5. Connect with Philosophy Departments: Reach out to the philosophy departments of the colleges you are considering. Send inquiries via email or make phone calls to ask questions about their programs, admission requirements, scholarships, and any additional information you may need.
6. Seek Recommendations and Advice: Consult with your high school guidance counselor, teachers, or mentors who can provide recommendations or insights into colleges with strong philosophy programs. They may have knowledge about colleges with a reputation for philosophy education or connections in the field.
7. Consider College Rankings and Reviews: While not the sole factor in your decision-making process, college rankings and reviews can provide insight into the reputation and quality of a college's philosophy program. However, it is important to conduct thorough research and consider multiple sources to form a well-rounded view.
8. Visit Campuses (if possible): If feasible, plan visits to the campuses of the colleges you are considering. This allows you to get a feel for the campus environment, interact with students and faculty, and attend philosophy classes or events if available.
1. Research Philosophy Programs: Start by researching colleges and universities that offer strong philosophy programs. Look for institutions known for their philosophy departments, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and the breadth of philosophy courses they offer. Online resources, college ranking websites, and college search engines can be valuable tools in this process.
2. Determine Your Preferences: Consider your preferences for the type of college or university you would like to attend. Factors such as location, size, campus culture, resources, and extracurricular activities can influence your college experience. Reflect on what aspects are important to you and create a list of criteria to guide your search.
3. Attend College Fairs and Information Sessions: College fairs and information sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about different institutions and interact with admissions representatives. These events often feature specific sessions or representatives focused on the humanities, including philosophy.
4. Visit College Websites: Visit the websites of the colleges or universities you are interested in. Explore their philosophy department pages to learn about their faculty, research areas, curriculum, and any specialized programs they offer. Take note of any unique features or opportunities that align with your interests.
5. Connect with Philosophy Departments: Reach out to the philosophy departments of the colleges you are considering. Send inquiries via email or make phone calls to ask questions about their programs, admission requirements, scholarships, and any additional information you may need.
6. Seek Recommendations and Advice: Consult with your high school guidance counselor, teachers, or mentors who can provide recommendations or insights into colleges with strong philosophy programs. They may have knowledge about colleges with a reputation for philosophy education or connections in the field.
7. Consider College Rankings and Reviews: While not the sole factor in your decision-making process, college rankings and reviews can provide insight into the reputation and quality of a college's philosophy program. However, it is important to conduct thorough research and consider multiple sources to form a well-rounded view.
8. Visit Campuses (if possible): If feasible, plan visits to the campuses of the colleges you are considering. This allows you to get a feel for the campus environment, interact with students and faculty, and attend philosophy classes or events if available.
Charlie Bernstein
Director
19
Answers
Murray, Utah
Updated
Charlie’s Answer
Knowing what you want to study is a great start. I did a quick search on US News and World Report and they list 408 schools under Philosophy and Religious Studies and Princeton Review lists 711 for just Philosophy. There are additional filters you can use to narrow it down.
2) In-state or out of state
3) City or Rural
4) Big or Small
5) Grades Good Grades or ok Grades (this will narrow the list down as well)
6) Cost and cost of travel to and from school
There are also other sites that are more specific.
https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/philosophy/rankings/top-ranked/
Hope this helps.
Good luck
2) In-state or out of state
3) City or Rural
4) Big or Small
5) Grades Good Grades or ok Grades (this will narrow the list down as well)
6) Cost and cost of travel to and from school
There are also other sites that are more specific.
https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/philosophy-and-religious-studies/philosophy/rankings/top-ranked/
Hope this helps.
Good luck
Ollie Osinubi
23
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Ollie’s Answer
I'm assuming this is for your undergraduate degree. You can do a search that ranks Philosophy departments in order of highest to lowest in regard to academic standing. You will need at least a graduate & most likely a post-graduate degree to become a professor at the collegiate level. Keep this in mind when researching undergraduate programs, by looking at the acceptance rate of its undergraduate Philosophy majors into competitive graduate programs. Start with your end goal (Philosophy professor) & work backward. This type of backward research can be beneficial when you have a long-term goal. Most people don't use it. I used it often with my students when I was a high school guidance counselor. Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6474
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ollie,
Embarking on Your Quest for Philosophy Programs
As you embark on your quest for the ideal college to earn a philosophy degree and carve your path towards becoming a philosophy professor, there are crucial steps to follow. These steps will guide you towards a college that perfectly matches your academic and career ambitions.
1. Investigate Philosophy Programs: Initiate your search by investigating universities and colleges celebrated for their robust philosophy programs. Seek out institutions that provide a diverse range of philosophy courses, boast esteemed faculty members in the field, and offer opportunities for research and academic advancement.
2. Ponder Over Specializations: Reflect on the specific areas within philosophy that captivate your interest the most. Certain schools might excel in particular branches of philosophy, such as ethics, metaphysics, or political philosophy. Identifying a program that resonates with your interests can enrich your academic journey.
3. Assess Faculty: Delve into the profiles of faculty members within the philosophy departments of your prospective schools. Professors who are actively involved in research and publication can provide invaluable mentorship and direction as you chase your academic dreams.
4. Leverage Resources: Make use of resources like college websites, rankings, and online forums to accumulate information about various philosophy programs. Websites such as the Philosophical Gourmet Report can offer insights into the caliber of philosophy programs at different institutions.
5. Tour Campuses: If feasible, tour the campuses of your prospective schools to experience the academic atmosphere and campus culture firsthand. Engaging with current students and faculty members can provide you with valuable perspectives on studying philosophy at a specific institution.
6. Reflect on Graduate School Placement: If your ultimate ambition is to become a philosophy professor, reflect on each school's success in placing graduates into esteemed graduate programs in philosophy. High placement rates can be a testament to the quality of education and preparation offered by a particular institution.
7. Factor in Finances: Remember to factor in financial aspects when selecting a college. Investigate scholarship opportunities, financial aid packages, and the total cost of attendance to ensure that your chosen school is financially feasible without accumulating excessive debt.
In summary, identifying the ideal college to pursue a philosophy degree and fulfill your dream of becoming a philosophy professor necessitates meticulous research, thoughtful reflection on your academic interests, and evaluation of various factors such as faculty expertise, program offerings, and campus culture.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The Philosophical Gourmet Report: This resource offers rankings and assessments of philosophy programs globally, based on surveys of professional philosophers.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges Rankings: This universally recognized resource provides extensive rankings of colleges and universities across various disciplines, including philosophy programs.
College Board: The College Board website provides valuable information on colleges and universities, including details on programs offered, admission prerequisites, financial aid possibilities, and more.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on Your Quest for Philosophy Programs
As you embark on your quest for the ideal college to earn a philosophy degree and carve your path towards becoming a philosophy professor, there are crucial steps to follow. These steps will guide you towards a college that perfectly matches your academic and career ambitions.
1. Investigate Philosophy Programs: Initiate your search by investigating universities and colleges celebrated for their robust philosophy programs. Seek out institutions that provide a diverse range of philosophy courses, boast esteemed faculty members in the field, and offer opportunities for research and academic advancement.
2. Ponder Over Specializations: Reflect on the specific areas within philosophy that captivate your interest the most. Certain schools might excel in particular branches of philosophy, such as ethics, metaphysics, or political philosophy. Identifying a program that resonates with your interests can enrich your academic journey.
3. Assess Faculty: Delve into the profiles of faculty members within the philosophy departments of your prospective schools. Professors who are actively involved in research and publication can provide invaluable mentorship and direction as you chase your academic dreams.
4. Leverage Resources: Make use of resources like college websites, rankings, and online forums to accumulate information about various philosophy programs. Websites such as the Philosophical Gourmet Report can offer insights into the caliber of philosophy programs at different institutions.
5. Tour Campuses: If feasible, tour the campuses of your prospective schools to experience the academic atmosphere and campus culture firsthand. Engaging with current students and faculty members can provide you with valuable perspectives on studying philosophy at a specific institution.
6. Reflect on Graduate School Placement: If your ultimate ambition is to become a philosophy professor, reflect on each school's success in placing graduates into esteemed graduate programs in philosophy. High placement rates can be a testament to the quality of education and preparation offered by a particular institution.
7. Factor in Finances: Remember to factor in financial aspects when selecting a college. Investigate scholarship opportunities, financial aid packages, and the total cost of attendance to ensure that your chosen school is financially feasible without accumulating excessive debt.
In summary, identifying the ideal college to pursue a philosophy degree and fulfill your dream of becoming a philosophy professor necessitates meticulous research, thoughtful reflection on your academic interests, and evaluation of various factors such as faculty expertise, program offerings, and campus culture.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
The Philosophical Gourmet Report: This resource offers rankings and assessments of philosophy programs globally, based on surveys of professional philosophers.
U.S. News & World Report - Best Colleges Rankings: This universally recognized resource provides extensive rankings of colleges and universities across various disciplines, including philosophy programs.
College Board: The College Board website provides valuable information on colleges and universities, including details on programs offered, admission prerequisites, financial aid possibilities, and more.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
483
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Ollie! Thanks for this great question.
It probably isn't a surprise that choosing the right college can be a challenging exercise. But it is sooooo worth it. Sometimes, in addition to having clarity on what you want to study, which you seem to have...sometimes it can be helpful to have clarity on how you plan to use your degree or what type of job you expect to get once you have gotten your degree.
For example, if your plan is build a profession as, maybe a writer?...then maybe while you are pursuing your degree in philosophy, you can also take some good (and challenging) writing classes. I mention this possible example because some degrees may be a little harder to place in terms of career building while others are a little more concrete. If you consider a job recruiter or a large company or government entity that is looking to hire newly graduated students, typically, they are looking to hire a new employee to fulfill a specific job with specific tasks. In order to ensure they are hiring someone that is "a match", they likely are looking at the job they want to fill and comparing that to the work the potential employee has done (both in college and outside such as in internships).
Getting to a professor-ship is a fantastic goal! I encourage you to engage with persons who are professors and identify your path to getting there by understanding their path. Chances are they had to demonstrate their proficiency in certain spaces, maybe they had to do some research activities.
All in all, do your best to enjoy your college journey. It is great that you are clear on what type of degree you want to get and what type of job you want to have. You are further along than you may realize :).
Hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you!
It probably isn't a surprise that choosing the right college can be a challenging exercise. But it is sooooo worth it. Sometimes, in addition to having clarity on what you want to study, which you seem to have...sometimes it can be helpful to have clarity on how you plan to use your degree or what type of job you expect to get once you have gotten your degree.
For example, if your plan is build a profession as, maybe a writer?...then maybe while you are pursuing your degree in philosophy, you can also take some good (and challenging) writing classes. I mention this possible example because some degrees may be a little harder to place in terms of career building while others are a little more concrete. If you consider a job recruiter or a large company or government entity that is looking to hire newly graduated students, typically, they are looking to hire a new employee to fulfill a specific job with specific tasks. In order to ensure they are hiring someone that is "a match", they likely are looking at the job they want to fill and comparing that to the work the potential employee has done (both in college and outside such as in internships).
Getting to a professor-ship is a fantastic goal! I encourage you to engage with persons who are professors and identify your path to getting there by understanding their path. Chances are they had to demonstrate their proficiency in certain spaces, maybe they had to do some research activities.
All in all, do your best to enjoy your college journey. It is great that you are clear on what type of degree you want to get and what type of job you want to have. You are further along than you may realize :).
Hope you find this answer helpful and best of luck to you!