Online Master’s In Philosophy Degrees

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Well-developed master's in philosophy programs train students how to think critically, question intelligently, communicate clearly, and draw inferences. Thinkers, artists, and leaders often study philosophy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an annual mean salary of $100,810 for philosophy and religious teachers in junior colleges. California pays the highest annual mean salary for professionals in this sector ($136,460), followed by Maryland ($107,430), Idaho ($106,860), and Rhode Island ($105,790).

This guide explores various career options for master's in philosophy degree-holders and includes other information such as scholarship opportunities and compensation.

Master's in Philosophy Questions

Best Online Master's in Philosophy Programs

Why Get a Degree in Philosophy?

While earning a master's in philosophy requires a meaningful investment of time and money, the degree yields several professional and personal benefits.

How Much Does a Philosophy Major Make?

A master's in philosophy opens career paths in several fields. Many philosophy degree-holders pursue jobs in academia. Although four-year institutions often require a doctoral degree to teach, master's-trained philosophy degree-holders can teach at secondary schools and community colleges.

Smaller, private four-year colleges sometimes hire master's degree-holders for non-tenured teaching positions. A philosophy master's degree also qualifies graduates for jobs in publishing and government and public administration.

Master's in Philosophy Program Requirements

Although a bachelor's degree in the field is not always a strict admission requirement, some of the best philosophy master's programs prefer applicants to hold one. Applicants typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least two recommendation letters, and a current resume. Most master's in philosophy programs require enrollees to write a thesis prior to graduation.

While philosophy master's degree-holders can pursue various careers, aspiring university philosophy professors must complete a doctorate in the field.

Courses in a Philosophy Master's Program

Even at the undergraduate level, philosophy programs allow enrollees to concentrate in areas like contemporary metaphysics and moral philosophy. At the master's level, students can focus their studies even further by concentrating on the philosophical writings of a specific era or a particularly influential philosopher. See below for some common classes in philosophy master's programs.

• Philosophy of Science

  This course examines how scientists have historically generated knowledge that later influenced and shaped the world. Students explore the relationship between science and religion by studying how various humanistic and spiritual values impact scientific thought and exploration in the modern era.

• Early Modern Philosophy

  Students examine the writings of the leading philosophers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, including Benedict de Spinoza, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant. They study how these early philosophers shaped current thought and understanding of various issues, including the nature of reality and the connection between mind and matter.

• Political Philosophy

  This class focuses on Western political tradition and how the major philosophers and writers in this arena gave rise to modern political institutions. Enrollees study the works of philosophers like Niccolo Machiavelli on the experience of the sovereign state and Jean Jacques Rousseau on early democracy.

Scholarships for Philosophy

Many colleges and universities that offer master's in philosophy programs administer scholarship and fellowship programs for enrollees. Students can also explore financial assistance opportunities from private associations and nonprofits with a declared interest in philosophy. See below for some scholarships for students pursuing a master's in philosophy.

Emma Yenko

With an undergraduate degree in communications and a master's in education, Emma finds writing for the education vertical to be the perfect niche.