<p>I'm currently a freshman in college. I'm an economics major that wanted to attend law school. I took a philosophy course my first semester and really fell in love with philosophy. I would pursue a degree in philosophy immediately but I'm worried about what I would do after college. I would love to obtain a Ph.D in philosophy, but even then, a job is not guaranteed.</p>
<p>Then I came upon colleges offering a J.D./Ph.D program. My first impression is that this program is for someone that wants to teach at a law school. However, would this be a good idea for someone like me? If I could not get a academic position with my Ph.D in philosophy, I would have something to fall back on. Or am I thinking about this the wrong way? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.</p>
<p>You are thinking about this in the wrong way. Combined programs like the one you describe are not for those who have two distinct career interests, but rather for those whose career interests essentially require two different degrees.</p>
<p>If you look closer at the JD/PhD programs, you will find that most are “preapproved” for certain PhD’s, while others require specific approval. To translate, certain combinations have common applications, while others require you to identify explain that “single interest that requires both a JD and a PhD in Philosophy” - a pretty tall order. If you want a JD and a PhD in economics, you may find easier going - any career that intersects with the courts or government can be said to require (or benefit from) a JD.</p>
<p>Incidentally, law professors often just have a JD, but there are degrees for those who want to teach - the MLL and the SJD are masters and doctoral degrees (respectively) specifically oriented towards research in law. You must have a JD to enter the programs, but afterwards are well positioned to enter law school to research as well as to teach.</p>
<p>Thank you very much. Are there any sort of degrees or programs out there that would aid in job opportunities if I wanted to pursue graduate schooling in philosophy?</p>
<p>OP: This may come as a shock to you, but I don’t think that there are really that many job opportunities out there for someone with a philosophy degree. The only real route I am familiar with is to become a professor, but if you talk to the philosophy department they can probably tell you what the job opportunities are.</p>
<p>I do not think that there are any non-philosophy graduate degrees that would help you in getting a philosophy position (except perhaps theology / religious studies). You may however want to consider double majoring in philosophy and something employable - I don’t usually recommend double majors, but it would allow you to pursue your sudden dream without ruining yourself.</p>
<p>Still, I would think about it for a while before making the switch. I knew 3 philosophy majors - last I heard, one was a professor, 1 was a dishwasher, and the last bags grocieries.</p>
<p>A PhD in philosophy is a surefire way to waste 5 years of your life. Your job prospects coming out with your PhD will be worse than if you never went in to begin with, and academic jobs in Philosphy are non-existent. Do yourself a favor, and minor in Philosophy, or audit classes in Philosophy, but for the sake of your future career and financial health do not major in Philosophy.</p>