A global perspective. Historical context. Modern culture. The mind. Each of these provides unique insight into how people think and behave. Having a better understanding of people—their brains, cultures, traditions, beliefs, stories—helps to develop superior communication skills and an ability to understand and appreciate diverse points of view. Studies in this area provide a well-rounded experience, supporting both analytic and creative thinking. While you’re being inspired by the greatest minds and moments of the past and present, you’re setting yourself up for success in the future, no matter where you’re heading.
What interested me at first about the philosophy major was the subject matter I was exposed to in introductory classes—philosophers writing beautiful passages, the content of which is aimed at asking life’s biggest questions. Then I read up on the department here at Pitt. It is one of the best in the English-speaking world.
—Santino Petrocelli (Philosophy)
Read about Santino Petrocelli's experiences as a philosophy major.
Popular Majors
Students interested in people and society often explore such majors and minors as:
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Architectural Studies
- Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
- History
- History of Art and Architecture
- History and Philosophy of Science
- International and Area Studies
- LGBTQ and Critical Sexuality Studies (minor)
- Museum Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Politics-Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
Enrichment Opportunities
Students interested in people and society have enhanced their studies with some of the following opportunities:
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: James C. Gaither Junior Fellow Program
- ACT Research Fellowships
- First Experiences in Research (Read Destiny Diess's story here.)
- Forbes & Fifth (Watch video)
- History Internships
- London Field Studies (Watch video)
- Museum Studies Internships (Watch video)
- New York Field Studies (Watch video)
- Psychology Supervised Field Placement
- Sociology Internships
- Who Are You? Academic Community
Career Choices
Recent graduates in people and society have gone on to exciting careers, with such titles as:
- Accountant (Read Jennifer Lue's story here.)
- Attorney (Watch video)
- Curatorial project manager, start-up tech-based art consultancy (Read Karen Lue's story here.)
- Engineer
- Economic development solutions consultant
- Internal medicine resident (Read Sumir Pandit's story here.)
- Marketing manager (Read Nora Guignon's story here.)
- Partner, Kennedy Blue Communications (Watch video)
- Photographer
- Professor
- Research associate
- Science teacher