03/13/2025
Introduction to Philosophy and Psychology
Philosophy and psychology are two main branches of knowledge that explore different aspects of human existence and understanding.
Understanding the difference between philosophy and psychology studies may help you appreciate their distinct contributions to how you understand the world. Learn more about what the fields are, what education paths may look like and career opportunities to consider.
Understanding Philosophy
Studying philosophy encourages critical thinking, reasoning, and seeking wisdom and truth about the fundamental aspects of life. Students may learn about different aspects of the history of philosophy, the principles of scientific methods, reasoning and how to evaluate arguments.
Historically, philosophers use methods such as questioning nature, critical analysis, and rational debates, to explore these subjects. Philosophy encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous learning.
What You’ll Learn in a Philosophy Degree Program
Pursuing a degree in philosophy typically begins with seeking a bachelor's degree.
The program covers the history of Western philosophy, logic, moral philosophy, the philosophy of science and the foundations of modern psychology, metaphysics and epistemology. Philosophy students choose a concentration in either the history of philosophy or society and justice.
Philosophy courses at American Public University also include general education classes in the humanities, civics and political science, communication, mathematics and more. There are also major courses required, general electives to help fulfill minor or an unrelated field, and final program requirements in a religion and philosophy capstone course.
Understanding Psychology
Psychology is a discipline that studies mental states and processes, and human behavior. These two areas of study have different goals and practices. It typically focuses on how people think, feel, behave, and interact with others.
Psychologists explore what impacts human behavior like perceptions, emotions, intelligence, personality traits, social interactions, cognitive processes, social context, cultural influences and more. Rooted in scientific research methodology, psychology uses experiments, case studies and observational research to get a clearer picture of how humans function.
What You’ll Learn in a Psychology Degree Program
Pursuing a degree in psychology typically begins with seeking a bachelor's degree.
APU's degree focuses on developmental psychology, organizational and abnormal psychology to apply the science of behavior to how people behave in different environments. Students can expect to pursue major-related coursework in human life span development, introduction to psychology and introduction to statistics, among other core courses to develop a foundation in science, perception and the history of psychology.
APU’s psychology program includes courses in mental health, clinical psychology, and social psychology. Students can also take electives for a minor or other fields. The senior seminar course in psychology provides opportunities for students to engage with practical applications of psychological concepts.
Philosophy vs. Psychology: Key Differences
Philosophy often explores abstract concepts and ethical dilemmas, while psychology applies scientific methods to study human behavior and mental processes. Explore basic differences between the two.
| Aspect | Philosophy | Psychology |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Abstract concepts such as existence, knowledge and mortality. | The scientific study of the mind and human behavior. |
| Methods | Logic, critical thinking, debate, theoretical exploration. | Research, experiments, observation, data. |
| Scope | Exploring fundamental questions of life, finding meaning, ethics and reality. | Focused on understanding human behavior and mental process. |
| Topics Studied | Ethical issues, local, political philosophy, metaphysics. | Cognitive processes, emotions, mental health, social behavior. |
| Application | Theoretical or academic or shapes other disciplines. | Applied in therapy, education, healthcare and business. |
| Methods of Study | Thought experiments, discussions, text interpretation. | Controlled experiments, surveys, clinical assessments, neuroscience. |
Career Paths and Employment Opportunities
Philosophy majors may pursue careers in law, education, research, writing, public speaking and many more options.
A psychology degree may open pathways to various fields such as counseling or research, depending on additional qualifications.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is anticipated to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. While philosophy does not have a direct job outlook, philosophy graduates often pursue law, business, and education, fields with steady employment growth.
Both philosophy and psychology majors may develop strong critical thinking, analysis, reasoning skills and communication skills, making them transferable to a variety of industries.
Grad school opportunities may be available for both philosophy and psychology majors, leading to advanced degrees and specialized careers with a strong foundation and skillset to apply to many different fields.
Choosing the Right Path for You
When seeking the right academic pathway for you, consider your interests: If you find philosophy more engaging, consider how studying logic, ethics, and metaphysics can enhance your understanding of human experience. Conversely, if you’re drawn to mental health, cognitive science, or behavioral research, psychology might be the right choice.
Think through the pros and cons of each major, focusing on details like the coursework, career opportunities, and your personal interests. Ultimately, choose the major that aligns with your goals and passions.
Next Steps for Choosing a Major
Philosophy and psychology are two different fields, but there is a lot they do have in common. Understanding the differences between philosophy and psychology can help you make an informed decision about your academic and career path.
For a more in-depth look into the journey through higher education, read our blog on "How To Get A Philosophy Degree" for more information.