In the News

Resources

The following websites provide a variety of interesting information about the value of an undergraduate degree in philosophy:

Graduate School in Philosophy

2013 Guide to Graduate Programs in Philosophy, The American Philosophical Association

From Daily Nous: MARCH 10, 2014 COMMENT

“The APA has released its 2013 Guide to Graduate Programs in Philosophy, and Andrew Carson at Philosophy News helpfully breaks down the information in a couple of reports, one on degrees awarded and time to degree, the other on attrition and placement. A few things to note: participation in the guide was voluntary and some schools did not participate, the data is self-reported and has not been independently verified, and it covers the years 2008-2013. Some of the data:

  • A total of 1544 students graduated from/left these programs from 2008-2013.This total is comprised of 71% men, 26% women, and 3% other.
  • The average attrition percentage for a school is 17%; the average completion percentage is 83%.
  • The average time to complete a PhD in philosophy is about 7 years.
  • Across all schools, men and women both have an average attrition rate of 17%; men and women both have an average completion rate of 83% [though Philosophy News goes on to say this: “The average in school difference in attrition is 3% higher for women.”
  • The average school has 44% Non Tenure Track placements, 43% Tenure Track placements, 9% Unplaced placements, and 4% Unknown placements.
  • Across all schools, 40% of men are placed into Tenure Track positions and 53% of women are placed into Tenure Track positions.

Lots more data at the links above.

Rutgers University New Brunswick Faculty, 2009 Guide to Graduate Study in Philosophy

Drafted by faculty at one of the top graduate programs in philosophy in the U.S., this guide provides students an excellent insight into the realities of the choice to pursue graduate education in philosophy and raises many helpful questions for students to consider at the outset. The following articles are provided on the Rutgers New Brunswick website as resources explained in the context of their 2009 guide and provide students the perspectives of grad students and faculty in philosophy and other academic disciplines.

Philosophy News, Philosophy as a Career: Think Long and Hard About Thinking Long and Hard

“Most of us who work on Philosophy News have a degree in philosophy, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level. However, most of us are not in academia anymore. Here are some stories about those of us who left professional philosophy and academia for careers in other fields. At the end are some tips for how to prepare for these careers while you are studying philosophy, since you ultimately may decide not to pursue philosophy professionally or work in academia. Also, be sure to check out our popular Placement Reports for more information as you think about pursuing full-time work in philosophy.”

Philosophy News, Graduate School in Philosophy in the U.S.: Terminal MA Programs in Philosophy

“We offer this analysis of placements from MA programs in philosophy in an effort to place some data behind the assertions made by various programs and to provide some guidance (and comfort) to students pursuing an MA. Which MA programs are the best at getting students into good PhD programs? Do most MA students go on to study philosophy? What do students do after their MA if they do not go into academic philosophy? This is what we wanted to find out.”