Philosopher & Ethicist

Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.

Formally educated philosophers try to answer some of the fundamental human questions about art, free will, morality, time and space, truth and the relationship between the brain and the physical world. A teaching position at a college or a university is a typical career path for philosophy students. They also consult with other professionals, such as computer programmers, government officials, healthcare providers, politicians, policymakers and scientists. Other career fields where critical thinkers can find a home include business, government, journalism, law and social services. (Learningpath.org)

A Clinical Ethicist helps to resolve ethical problems that arise in clinical medicine. They offer guidance to patients, their families, and professional staff on ethical, legal and policy issues and concerns that stem from dealings between health care professionals and patients. They may also aide in developing policy, doing research, and providing education about ethics for others in the organization where they work. Clinical ethicists work in a variety of organizations, including hospitals, physician group practices, government agencies, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and medical research centres. (Sokanu)

Occupational profile

Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:

Education

Professional Philosophers and Ethicists typically have graduate degrees (Masters or PhD) in philosophy, ethics, or a related discipline. Clinical Ethicists often complete a fellowship following the completion of their graduate program. The University of Manitoba provides a Bachelors and Masters degree in Philosophy. Please view the links below for information on U of M courses and programs, as well as Philosophy programs in North America.

U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.

Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.

Exploring Other Education Options

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials - information for foreign-trained professionals

Labour market information

Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts. 

Resources

Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network. 

Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards. 

Other links

External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience: 

Related occupations

Last updated: April 26, 2021