Socrates was one of the famous Greek philosophers.
Philosophy is the oldest academic discipline, and in fact the first "academy" was a school of philosophy. Today's student doesn't usually take a degree in philosophy for the sake of becoming a philosopher, but for the critical-thinking skills the degree imparts. An undergraduate degree in philosophy serves as the basis for a wide variety of graduate degrees. Schools in South Carolina offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy.
Philosophy as a Major
Philosophy could be summarized as the study of the larger questions of life, its meaning, and the role of humans in relation to it. Few modern-day students set out with the goal of becoming full-time philosophers, but the discipline continues to be valuable because it teaches students think, and learn. Philosophy programs cover the history of philosophy from ancient to modern times, with emphasis on the work of great philosophers and the major schools of thought. Other courses lay out various approaches to critical and structured thought.
Undergraduate Programs in South Carolina
The searchable database at the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics reports six accredited colleges in South Carolina offering undergraduate degrees in philosophy. Wofford College and Presbyterian College are liberal-arts schools affiliated respectively with the United Methodist and Presbyterian denominations. The College of Charleston and Furman College date from the late 18th and early 19th century respectively, while Clemson was founded after the Civil War to help rebuild the South. Coastal Carolina University was founded in 1954 as a junior college, and has been an independent university since 1993.
Graduate Programs in South Carolina
The NCES database shows the University of South Carolina's Columbia campus as the only accredited South Carolina university offering a graduate degree in philosophy. A master's degree in philosophy has been available since the 1960s, and the first doctorate was awarded in 1995. The university also has an undergraduate philosophy program, with options for double minors and interdisciplinary study.
Career Paths for Philosophy Graduates
A degree in philosophy is sometimes spoken of as the ultimate "ivory tower" discipline, something removed from the real world and its concerns. In truth, by providing graduates with critical thinking skills and the ability to discuss complex issues, a philosophy degree paves the way to high achievement in many fields. Law, education, finance, medicine, government service and divinity school are all frequent destinations for philosophy majors. Compensation for philosophy graduates will vary widely by industry and degree held.
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