Best Online Philosophy Colleges

Studying philosophy is an exciting academic experience, which sets students up for careers in a variety of fields. 

Whether you’re interested in teaching, going on to law school, or starting your own business, studying philosophy helps improve problem-solving and communication skills, and provides a well-rounded academic foundation.  

Today, we’re going to take a look at the best online philosophy degree programs in the US, and provide some helpful tips to choose the right one for you.

Online philosophy degree programs

Philosophy is a study of the fundamental nature of existence, reality, and knowledge. As an academic discipline, it provides a solid base for students who want to go into other careers ranging from law to business, writing, teaching, and even public service.]

Here are some of the fundamental elements of seeking a degree as a philosophy student: 

• Studying philosophy helps people learn to make decisions and examine the effects of various actions.
• Studying philosophy helps students interpret and analyze various theories.
• Studying philosophy helps students think critically and suggest alternatives to problems.

A philosophy degree program offers various areas of focus and specialization. Some of the available degree programs include the following.

Associate’s degree

An associate's degree in philosophy usually takes two years to complete. Associate’s degrees cover the history of philosophy and the work of major philosophers. Students enrolled in associate’s degree programs will practice expressing ideas verbally and in writing. They will also learn the basic skills needed for philosophical reasoning.

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor's degree in philosophy usually takes three to four years to complete. The program introduces students to major subjects of the discipline and encourages exploration into issues like morality, politics, scientific advancements and changes, and religious beliefs. A bachelor’s degree in philosophy will prepare a student to pursue a variety of other fields, from law to medicine. 

Master’s degree

An online master's degree in philosophy usually takes two years to complete. 

In a master’s program, students will learn about the technique of critical thinking and reasoning. Students also develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of philosophical thinking and reasoning. 

Ph.D. programs

A doctorate in philosophy is the most advanced possible level of study. These programs typically take three to five years to complete and require a great deal of research. 

Ph.D. programs culminate with a thesis — a long-form body of original research conducted and written by the student. Ph.D. programs are research-based and require students to grapple with complex topics, including reason, knowledge, emotion, values, rationality, and more.  

What are philosophy degree specializations?

Students of philosophy can specialize in many things. 

For example, possible specializations include Ancient & Medieval Philosophy, Bioethics, Business Ethics, Catholic Philosophical Tradition, Epistemology, Feminist Philosophy & Gender Theory.

Students who obtain a philosophy degree can also choose from a variety of careers. Some graduates become Lawyers, Judges, Clergy, Professors, or Psychotherapists, to name a few.

Why choose an online philosophy degree?

If you’re considering getting an online philosophy degree, you’re not alone. While attending a traditional campus is right for some people, it’s not the best fit for every student. Fortunately, there’s another option: an online philosophy degree. 

Here are a few reasons you might choose distance learning as a philosophy student.

Convenience

If you’re going back to school, working, or raising a family, attending a traditional campus might not be a good fit for your lifestyle. Luckily, an online philosophy program represents a more convenient option. 

In addition to being more affordable (sometimes), online schooling is also much more flexible. 

Because most programs offer a variety of synchronous and asynchronous learning (more on this later), you can choose when and how you study. 

If the morning is the best time for you to complete schoolwork, for example, you can do it then. If you’re a night owl, you can work after your family has gone to sleep. 

This convenience is paramount for people juggling busy lifestyles with the desire to study in a philosophy course. 

Accessibility

Before the introduction of online learning, anyone who wanted to attend a university had to live within commuting distance. For many students, this meant costly, complex moves. 

Fortunately, that’s no longer the case.

Want to attend your dream school without uprooting yourself or your family? Getting an online philosophy degree allows you to do it. 

Attend a top university online from the comfort of your current community, and enjoy the campus experience with in-person intensives or on-campus events held throughout the philosophy program. 

This is a “best of both worlds” situation that many students love. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more schools than ever are offering either fully online or partially online courses, which means online learning is more accessible than ever for interested students. 

Affordability

In some cases, attending an online university is more affordable than attending an on-campus college.

The average cost per credit for online master’s and bachelor’s programs is affordable — about $375–$475. This is excellent news for anyone looking for an affordable liberal arts degree program that does not compromise academic excellence or degree requirements.

Tips for finding the right online degree program

If you’re considering an online bachelor’s degree, choosing the right online college is critical. While there are many online philosophy degree programs out there, they vary in scope, focus, support, and trajectory. 

Here are a few tips for finding the one that’s right for you:

• Learn about the program’s structure: Some online philosophy degree programs are entirely online, while others have regular in-person intensives. Decide which class structure you’d prefer, and seek out universities that offer that style of learning.

• Verify accreditation: Accreditation is a critical consideration for anyone considering an online university. Accredited Universities provide better job prospects for students and make it easier for students to claim scholarships and student loans. 

• Check admission requirements: Look into the admission requirements of the degree program you’re considering. Learn about application fees and check to see if any previous college credits you have will transfer over.

• Find online student services: The best online universities mimic the in-person experience by providing outstanding student services and support. This will make all the difference in your educational experience. 

Conclusion

Finding the right program for an online philosophy degree can be difficult. If you’re looking for an online degree program that’s a good fit for you, The College Monk can help. Browse our selection of online degree programs now to find the right fit.