Math Major Wondering About Philosophy Grad School

laurenleigh133
Mon, 27 Jan 2014 22:23:17 +0000

Thank you, this is all very helpful advice. I do have the end goal of being a college professor, which is why I ultimately intend to pursue of PhD. But what should be the key factor in deciding whether I choose math or philosophy? I’m well into the upper level maths, and while I do have a fondness for Abstract Algebra, I just don’t know if I can see myself focusing on something like that for the next 7 or so years. I realize the prospects might be much better for a math PhD than a philosophy PhD, but should that greater security determine which way I go?
Also, since my intro to philosophy class, I’ve done a fair share of philosophical reading on my own, strictly out of curiosity. Of course, that’s just to say I know more than what we learned in that class, which I realize is still hardly any! Also, another point is I love writing and always have, and (besides proofs) there’s not much writing involved in math… at least, that’s been my experience.
What would all of you do if you were almost a senior and realized your true interests MIGHT lay elsewhere than your chosen major? Would you take a 5th year of undergrad to further explore those interests?