Philosophy | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

Program Overview

Philosophy is the study of the ideas that shape our thought and action, and it addresses fundamental questions and problems associated with reality, truth, existence, logic, and morality. Develop the intellectual abilities and techniques required to think effectively for yourself at a deeper level. Explore the ideas that underlie controversial issues in politics, morality, science, religion, art, and more. Courses cover a wide range of topics including art, ethics, feminism, politics, techniques of argument, and theories of knowledge and the mind.

Complementary Programs:

Psychology, Political Science, English Literature, Historical and Cultural Studies, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

Analyze concepts, definitions, arguments and problems
Organize ideas and issues
Deal with questions of value, and extract what is essential from masses of information
Distinguish fine differences between views and discover common ground between opposing positions

Careers for Graduates

Associate in Consulting Services
Risk Analyst in Financial Services
Intelligence Officer in Security Agencies
Research Associate in Marketing Agencies
Policy Analyst in Government Services
Technical Writer in Business
Salesperson in Academic Publishing

Further Education

Philosophy
Law School
Teacher Education
Public Administration
Labour Relations
Corporate Communications
Production Editing
Software Engineering
Social Work
Religious Studies

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

PHLA10H3 and PHLA11H3 are recommended as an intro to the PHL Specialist and Major programs.
Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program of interest.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Professor/Graduate Student Mix & Mingles to meet many of the professors & TAs you will encounter as you progress through your degree.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities on CLNx.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Get involved with the Association of Philosophy Students (APS) at UTSC to connect with peers in your area of study and learn about opportunities available on campus.
Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to expand your interests — you can check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

[A total of 7.0 PHL credits is required for the program including those listed in each year.]
Take PHLB50H3 or PHLB55H3.
PHLB99H3 is recommended for PHL programs and is important preparation for advanced C- and D-level PHL courses.
Meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to strategize for your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).

Apply Theory to Practice

Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus (e.g., apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Attend the annual International Undergraduate Philosophy Conference to hear presentations given by a keynote speaker and your senior undergraduate peers.

Plan for Your Future Career

Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

At least 3.0 PHL credits at the C- or D-level. MATC09H3 can be used as a PHL course for this requirement.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Consider participating in the UTSC Undergraduate Research Symposium to showcase your work in an interdisciplinary setting.

Apply Theory to Practice

Participate in the annual International Undergraduate Philosophy Conference to showcase your work, and listen to other presentations by keynote speakers and your undergraduate peers.
Apply to the UTSC Socrates Project to receive pedagogical training and to work as a Teaching Assistant in introductory philosophy courses.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Run for an elected position in the Association of Philosophy Students (APS).
Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.
Consider applying to summer undergraduate philosophy institutes abroad.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Talk to professors about how to strengthen your application for graduate school.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through DSL to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Summer & Full-Time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for relevant summer and full-time positions.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
APS - Association of Philosophy Students (https://utscaps.wordpress.com)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)