Online Philosophy Schools

Pursue a Philosophy Degree

Philosophy explores fundamental questions of human life, seeking to untangle the complexities of thought, knowledge, perception, meaning, and existence itself. Beyond its lofty intellectual aspirations, the field prepares students for a variety of practical career paths.

Philosophy teaches students to think critically and argue their ideas articulately, building widely applicable skills relevant to fields such as law, education, and business. Online philosophy school students often pursue careers as postsecondary teachers at colleges and universities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn a median annual salary of $79,540.

Bachelor's in Philosophy Programs FAQ's

Why Get a Degree in Philosophy?

Students enroll in online philosophy schools for various personal and professional reasons. See below for some of the most notable benefits of a degree in philosophy.

• Versatility: Unlike many academic programs, a degree in philosophy does not lock graduates into a set career path. Philosophy majors commonly pursue fields such as law, business, journalism, and education.
• Widely Applicable Skills: Philosophy focuses on critical thinking, research, reading and writing, and communication. These skills translate well to most professional and academic disciplines.
• Preparation for Graduate Study: Philosophy builds strong skills in thinking and writing. Majors can move easily into many graduate fields of study, primarily in the humanities.
• Preparation to Teach: A bachelor's degree in philosophy prepares graduates to teach at the high school level after obtaining teaching certification. A master's or doctorate prepares students to teach at community or four-year colleges.
• Intellectual Fulfillment: Philosophy school online programs explore some of life's most complex questions. Many students pursue philosophy out of a sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn.

Calculating the Cost of a College Degree

Our college affordability calculator helps you plan for higher education expenses by factoring in tuition, cost of living, student aid, and other relevant financial factors. Use this tool to estimate your general education expenses and how much you can afford to pay for college each month.

Courses in Philosophy School

A degree in philosophy emphasizes the history of philosophy and its major concepts, including logic, epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. Undergraduate programs offer a broad introduction to key philosophical principles, while graduate programs build advanced knowledge and encourage students to develop a focus area.

Along with broad philosophical knowledge, these programs develop key skills, including critical thinking, reasoning, augmentation, research, and writing. The following list highlights five courses common to online philosophy schools. While exact titles may vary, most philosophy programs include these courses.

• History of Ancient Philosophy

  This course explores the origins of philosophy during the ancient and medieval periods. Students trace the development of philosophy beginning with the ancient Greeks, including the pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, the Sceptics, and the Stoics. Moving toward the modern era, the course may also highlight Roman and medieval philosophy.

• History of Modern Philosophy

  This course examines the growth of philosophy in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing key intellectual developments and concepts that still influence philosophy today. Students gain a broad understanding of thinkers, including Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Hume, and Kant. Coursework may examine topics such as philosophical certainty and the mind-body problem.

• Philosophy of Art

  Philosophy often intersects with the arts, and this course explores fundamental questions of aesthetic experiences and artistic creation. Students examine the practices and philosophies related to the evaluation, interpretation, and description of art, including the possibility of defining art and forming aesthetic judgements.

• Philosophy of Gender

  This course explores the biological, social, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of sex and gender. Common topics include the history of gender and gendered perspectives on philosophical topics, such as ethics and epistemology. Philosophy courses related to gender increasingly offer an intersectional perspective, emphasizing the connections between sex and gender, race and ethnicity, and class.

• Phenomenology, Structuralism, and Post-Structuralism

  Highlighting major developments in 20th century philosophy, this course explores influential movements such as structuralism, deconstruction, post-structuralism, and hermeneutics. Primarily focusing on German, French, and other European schools of thought, this course introduces students to philosophers such as Husserl, Levi-Strauss, Lacan, Derrida, and Foucault.

Scholarships for Philosophy Students

Enrollees at online philosophy schools can apply for grants, fellowships, scholarships, and student loans to help pay for their degree. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships provide funding that never requires repayment, which makes these awards both desirable and highly competitive. This list highlights three opportunities available to philosophy students.

Online Philosophy Schools

Reese Lopez

Reese Lopez is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience in the education field. After earning his BA in English from Evergreen State College, he worked as an English language instructor and tutor before joining Affordable Colleges Online. Reese lives in Portland, Oregon, where he also writes fiction and performs in the local music scene.