Career Planning

A degree in Philosophy or Religious Students opens the door to a wide range of career possibilities, each benefiting from what you learn in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and overall analytical skills developed during your experience at Iowa State.

Our graduates often find roles in law, where their ability to form complex arguments while considering multiple perspectives serves them well as lawyers or legal analysts. You can also pursue careers in education, teaching at various levels or contributing to educational policy. Your studies can also lead to positions in business as consultants, project managers, or in roles related to ethics and corporate social responsibility. Additionally, you will be well-prepared to enter fields such as writing, journalism, or public policy, where your ability to articulate nuanced viewpoints and evaluate ethical considerations will be highly valued.

Both of our majors will prepare you for continuing education as you pursue an advanced degree in Philosophy, Religious Studies, or virtually any other graduate degree. The possibilities are endless.

Career planning and preparation

Looking for help in putting together the perfect resume or cover letter? Or maybe you are looking for an internship or even some mock interviews for an upcoming job? LAS Career Services can help you with all of these and more.

A career in the making

Here are just a few examples of the many careers pursued by our majors.

Philosophy career opportunities

  • Lawyer or Legal Analyst
  • Professor or Teacher (Philosophy or Related Subjects)
  • Ethics Consultant or Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
  • Public Policy Analyst or Advisor
  • Business Consultant or Project Manager
  • Journalist or Writer
  • Researcher or Academic Scholar
  • Nonprofit Program Manager or Director
  • Government Official or Diplomat
  • Human Resources Specialist

Religious Studies career opportunities

  • Healthcare jobs: doctor, nurse, other medical professionals
  • Creative jobs: writing, entertainment, game development, marketing, communication
  • Educational jobs: Teaching, libraries, museums, public history
  • Service-oriented jobs: social work, nonprofits, philanthropy
  • Government jobs: State department, data science, administration
  • Internationally focused jobs: Business, international development
  • Hospitality jobs: tourism, recreation, guest services
  • Graduate & professional school: religious studies, area studies, medicine, law, theology, library and data science