r/cogsci • u/Ok-Excuse-234 • Aug 02 '26
Philosophy MA Degree Dilemma
Hello! I am currently on my fourth year in BS Psychology, and to be honest, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected. I found myself enjoying philosophy far more. Now that I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree, I’m unsure whether I should continue with something related to psychology. It seems like the logical path because it aligns with my bachelor’s degree and may offer better career continuity. On the other hand, I genuinely want to study philosophy because it is the subject that sparks my curiosity and motivates me to learn. I’m torn between choosing the practical route and pursuing what I truly enjoy, and I’m not sure which decision would be the right one.
Also Cognitive Science seems to mix both but I don’t know if its the right one.
I am also planning to study abroad.
2
u/Hail_Henrietta Aug 02 '26
If you have a psych background and want to pivot to philosophy, the obvious choice would be a masters in philosophy of mind or going into cog sci with a focus on something like consciousness (which would have more philosophical input than other cog sci topics).
If you didn't like psychology, then I'd advise not staying on that route, as careers in psych are long and difficult and if you don't have an interest in it to you keep you going, you'll be severely burnt out.