Most colleges and universities offer summer courses for students looking to fill in their summer break with something usable for their future careers. These courses are great for students who still need to fulfill academic requirements or students who are looking to supplement their studies while earning credit.

What is a summer course in philosophy? Philosophy seeks to explore and understand the universe humans experience through rational tools such as logic and reasoning. Though at times it can be a heavy and profound subject, there are summer courses that can offer introductory or more focused study in topics such as practical reasoning, logic, history of classical philosophy or modern ethics. Students should expect to use their critical thinking and analytical skills to a great degree while studying the works of well-known philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Marx and Nietzsche.

Studying philosophy forces students to ask questions of ideas people are tempted to be complacent about. Learning the Socratic method of questioning will help students develop their critical thinking skills, making them able to solve difficult problems while equipping them with the tools to handle ethical issues. Studying philosophy can also help students write more clearly and logically.

Taking a summer course in philosophy can be a life-changing experience, and many schools offer programs accessible to students of all backgrounds. Kinds of programs – and their associated lengths and costs – differ depending on the university or college.

While the nature of philosophy is abstract, the skills learned from pursuing this interest is immensely valuable in the 21st century workforce. Students of philosophy often look for careers in law, medicine, politics, civil service or education. Philosophy is a great preparation for a law career, and many students might find careers as lawyers and attorneys. Other students potentially become psychiatrists and health researchers, administrators, stockbrokers and venture capitalists, managers and publishers among many other positions. Some philosophy students might consider continuing their education at another institution.

Courses in philosophy are available internationally, too, and it only takes a few minutes to find opportunities. To learn more, search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.