Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Humanities & Languages
Philosophy
Rigorous reasoning about knowledge, ethics, and existence.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to Philosophy
- ✓Logic
- ✓Ethics
- ✓Epistemology
- ✓Metaphysics
- ✓History of Philosophy (Ancient & Modern)
Skills you'll build
Formal and informal logical reasoningConstructing and critiquing argumentsClose reading of dense, abstract textsPrecise analytical writingEthical reasoning and analysisIdentifying hidden assumptions in argumentsComfort with ambiguity and unresolved questions
Good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys big, abstract questions without easy answers
- ★Likes constructing and picking apart arguments
- ★Comfortable with dense, challenging reading
- ★Considering law, writing, research, or fields needing rigorous reasoning
Humanities & Languages
English Literature
Close reading, interpretation, and the craft of language.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to Literary Analysis
- ✓British Literature (survey)
- ✓American Literature (survey)
- ✓Literary Theory & Criticism
- ✓Shakespeare
- ✓World Literature
Skills you'll build
Close reading and textual analysisConstructing and defending written argumentsUnderstanding historical and cultural context of textsResearch and synthesis of secondary sourcesClear, precise writingCritical thinking about ambiguity and interpretationEditing and revision
Good fit if you...
- ★Loves reading and thinking deeply about texts
- ★Enjoys writing and refining arguments
- ★Comfortable with ambiguity and multiple interpretations
- ★Curious about language, culture, and history through literature
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.