<p>So my overall plan is to major in philosophy and minor in psychology. Then try to get into law. (If anyone sees any major flaws in that plan please let me know).</p>
<p>I've been searching for colleges for awhile and have been pretty stuck in my searches. Im from New Jersey and have barely a 3.0 with 1830 on the SAT. </p>
<p>I have considered Rutgers in New Brunswick because of their philosophy departments high ranking and Drew university. I anybody can suggest me some more it would be greatly appreciated. Basically any state near Jersey would be ideal. </p>
<p>Also if anybody else is seeking out a philosophy major or already has done so could you tell me what your plans are after college career wise.</p>
<p>Look into Pitt (university of Pittsburgh)-- I don’t know much about the undergrad, but the Philosophy grad program is always highly rated.</p>
<p>I was not a Philosphy major, but my son has an interest. One thing I learned is to CAREFULLY look at the program and e-mail or meet the profs. Some small schools have great departments, while large schools really seem to be lacking. The department is usually small. You want to be comfortable with the number of instructors (think, only 4 instructors & you don’t connect with 1 that you will have repeatedly).</p>
<p>My son went to CTY summer program and got interested in Philosophy. His professor advised if majoring in it as an undergrad to add a “marketable” minor - preferable one with very little reading assignments since the major will be heavy with reading. IMO psych isn’t instantly marketable, but I am just a mom – when looking at colleges, go and speak with the career office and specifically ask with the bachelor’s degree only & the major/minor combo you want, how many places could they have comfortably advised you to apply if you were in the last graduating class.</p>
<p>Philosophy majors constantly score high on LSATs!</p>
<p>The only flaw I see is COST of schooling – those law jobs are few and far between lately.</p>
<p>I agree with Longhaul on many counts, especially the bit regarding the complete lack of law related jobs. One of my friend’s professors tried to get him to consider another field as the profession is suffering horribly (arguably more than most) in this economic downturn.</p>
<p>With regard to your psych minor (assuming you’re possibly considering a career in that particular field), I plan on majoring in Psychology and through endless amounts of research, I know that the job market for Psych majors (MA, PhDs, PsyDs whatever) is just as difficult to work with. If you have a passion for law, by all means go for it, I’m in no way putting you down. I love everything that has to do with psychology, so I’ll be planning to pursue a career in that despite the crappy pay and job opportunities.</p>
<p>But I digress. Several of my high school teachers were philosophy majors, so, obviously, teaching is one way to go. And law school is certainly among the many options you have; plus, a degree in philosophy is an excellent way to complement a career in law. Pre-law students sometimes minor in English, too, for obvious reasons.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>Philosophy draws in a lot of students who are interested in going to law school. If you decide to follow through with philosophy, you will see that a lot of your classmates will most likely have the same plans as you.
Like the response above, my advise is to really really research the course offerings, major requirements, and departments of every school.
Brunswick and Pitt both have well regarded programs. However, just because they have top programs does not mean it may be a match for you. The most important thing for law school admissions is your GPA and LSAT score. Even if you attend a top undergrad philosophy program, if your gpa is less than 3.6 you will have a tough time getting into a top law school. Achieving a 3.6 at any of the schools with top philosophy departments will be much more harder to do than if you enroll at a school with a less competitive department, or at least one where you actually enjoy the classes offered.
Here’s a ranking of graduate school programs, but I’m sure their undergrad dept. will be just as strong or at the very least decent.</p>
<p>[The</a> Philosophical Gourmet Report 2009 :: Overall Rankings](<a href=“http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/overall.asp]The”>http://www.philosophicalgourmet.com/overall.asp)</p>
<p>Well an original concern for me was the impracticality and lack of marketability of a philosophy major. I can hardly see myself teaching but I would keep an open mind to it. All i could see would be vaguely “writing” or law. I always have had an interest in psychology. But I personally am not driven to pursue typical psych major career paths considering also the the work involved would require such drive. </p>
<p>I just figured a philosophy/psych combo would be beneficial (also considering that they are somewhat closely related) if I chose in the next 5 years till graduation to go into law… the most practical option I see. And while I don’t doubt law careers recent decline, I would have to say that Ill be graduating in 5 years. By then the job market should have stabilized significantly. Honestly I am not that impassioned for law I just see it as the best possible practical outlet for philo/psych.</p>
<p>I will take heed to look more specifically at the school programs and have added Pittsburgh to my list. Much obliged.</p>