Master’s in Philosophy Online

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Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Last Updated: January 30, 2023

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Philosophy seeks answers to complex or simple questions about reason, knowledge, and existence, seen as problems to be understood or resolved. In the discipline of philosophy, students understand the fundamental nature of values, reality, presence, and knowledge. A master’s in philosophy online gives an essential foundation for those students who want to pursue a doctoral program in philosophy or other disciplines and be employed in various careers related to or complementing philosophy. Students who have completed online master’s in philosophy can pursue careers in management, writing, legal and law, finance, healthcare, etc. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $55,000 median annual wage for jobs in philosophy and religion^[1]. Although this figure applies more to bachelor’s degree holders, master’s degree holders with experience are usually paid more.

Best Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degrees

To choose the right online master’s degree in philosophy, students must evaluate factors like courses offered in the program, faculty experience, institutional reputation, accreditation, cost of the program, availability of student support services, etc. Since a philosophy master’s or M.Phil. degree could have a thesis or non-thesis-based track, it is also one of the factors to consider. With these and other critical aspects in sight, FBD teams have drawn up a list of some of the best and cheapest online master’s in philosophy: *

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Johns Hopkins University

American Public University System

California State University-Northridge

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbia University in the City of New York

Rutgers University-Camden

Clarkson University

Cambridge College

Biola University

California Institute of Integral Studies

University of Mary

Auburn University at Montgomery

Faulkner University

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to Expect from the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree Program

An online master’s in philosophy program lays the groundwork for students to pursue their studies in doctoral programs in philosophy and provides a solid foundation in the concepts of advanced philosophy. The program primarily focuses on communication skills, written and oral, a prerequisite to other advanced degrees. It also equips students with how to put forth their rationale, reasoning, and logic to diverse audiences. Common skills covered by this program are constructive argumentation, critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and logical analysis.

The coursework of each master in philosophy program varies and can be taken online, offline, or in a hybrid mode (blending on-campus and online classes). Students can often tailor their programs to suit their interests and professional goals. One can align their studies with a particular career or doctoral program through electives and specializations. Overall, master’s in philosophy programs are interdisciplinary and usually require students to complete a thesis or capstone towards the end of their degrees. Some programs ask students to take research and writing skills courses as prerequisites. A few standard or frequently found courses in philosophy master’s degree include but are not limited to:

Moral Philosophy

In this course, students learn to deal with theories and the nature of morality that help arrive at decisions about what one should do and why. They explore several aspects of morality and examine people’s moral dimensions. They also learn about philosophers like Kant and Nietzsche.

Philosophy of Religion

This course explores the philosophical study of nature and the meaning of religion. The course includes analyses of religious beliefs, terms, practices, concepts, and practices related to religious adherents. Students explore the work done in philosophy and religion previously limited by theistic religions.

Philosophy of Science, Methodology, and Epistemology

In this course, students explore the developments made in the early 20^th century by general philosophers of science and the discoveries central to philosophy that guided the progress of scientific research in philosophy. Students focus on post-positivism, which introduced radical concepts like social, valuative, and historical components of scientific thoughts related to philosophy.

Formal Philosophy and Philosophical Logic

In this course, students focus on studying the logical relationships between different propositions, distinguishing between atomic propositions, and understanding the special terms connected with such propositions. They look at the philosophical problems raised by logic.

History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

This course is divided into two periods – the Latin west till the early Middle Ages and the end of the 12^th century. The course studies the works of philosophers like Aristotle and Plato.

Degree Types for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Programs

Areas of Specialization for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Programs

Students can choose to specialize in specific areas within a subject, which can potentially increase their employability. Those pursuing an online master’s in philosophy degree may choose to specialize in an area of philosophy that interests them and is in line with their professional goals. Specializations provide deeper insights into the concentration area and aid in job search after graduation. Here are a few to think about:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Modern Philosophy	In this specialization, students understand the concept of the modern era that we know today and relate it to the concepts of modernity. They read about philosophical debates around the 20^th century and other texts associated with the same period.	Technical writers, critics, cultural affairs officers
Philosophy of Science	The philosophy of science is a specialization that guides students in understanding what science is, how it has worked or works, the logic behind constructing different scientific knowledge, and more.	Careers in political science, business, social science, and academics.
Philosophy of Religion	The philosophy of religion is a concentration related to many branches of philosophy, like epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics. In this concentration, students look at the nature and meaning of religions in different contexts.	Librarians, social workers, museum conservators, professors, clergy, and journalists.
Social and Political Philosophy	In this concentration, students look at how political philosophy relates to how society is constructed and works. It looks at how people can influence different processes within the political system.	Careers in journalism, health services, politics, government offices, and academia.
Ethics	In this concentration, students engage in different philosophical theories and their underpinnings in ethical judgment and theories. They assess the importance of the moral behavior of individuals and communal standards of ethics.	Careers in writing, journalism, academics, health sectors, etc.
Healthcare	In this concentration, students learn about different topics like legal and ethical principles in healthcare, medical terminology, healthcare policies and principles, introduction to the management of health information, and more.	Careers in health care fields of acute care, public health, mental health, and rehabilitation.
Legal Theory	In this specialization, students apply philosophical logic, reasoning, and ethics to diverse legal topics. They also examine different career opportunities in the field of law, which intersects with the discipline of philosophy.	Legal professionals, medical ethics experts, public administrators

Why should I do a Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree?

As part of a master’s degree in philosophy, students can develop clearer and more analytical thought processes by studying different schools of thought from various countries. They can also improve their communication clarity, effectiveness, and writing and research skills. Another significant advantage of pursuing a philosophy master’s degree is developing the ability to read and comprehend complex texts. Students also develop the ability to understand and analyze the philosophy of social identities, religion, formal philosophy and philosophical logic, the philosophy of social identities, and so on. The program opens many doors for oneself, both professionally and personally, and provides universally applicable skills that can be used in many aspects of life.

Students who have work, family, or other commitments and find it difficult to travel to and from college benefit from an online master’s degree in philosophy. The program provides a broad range of knowledge on a variety of topics, making it useful for pursuing careers ranging from marketers and diplomats to judges and authors.

Upon graduating from the program, one would have acquired a host of skills, including the ability to:

help others embrace difficult questions related to philosophy and investigate various fundamental concepts;
demonstrate clarity of thought and careful analyses of philosophical arguments;
engage in difficult debates and identify the assumptions behind conventional practices, arguments, and judgments;
demonstrate ethical behavior expected of a philosophy professional, and make significant contributions in the field of philosophical research;
demonstrate knowledge of philosophical concepts like ethics in society, history and philosophy of science, gender, feminism, symbolic systems, philosophy and literature initiative, and sexuality studies;
demonstrate transferable skills like persuasive writing, communication, reasoning, and analytical thinking, which can be applied to various disciplines;
demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a wide range of information to assist others in understanding new ways of thinking and critically evaluating information; and
prepare curricula in concepts of philosophies while analyzing different texts in philosophy and integrating new concepts emerging in the field.

Free Courses for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Students

Taking free courses while pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy can help students explore topics that their curriculum may not cover. Free courses broaden students’ horizons and assist them in developing an interest in their fields. Those pursuing an online master’s in philosophy may discover that free courses can help them improve their foundational knowledge or provide different perspectives on a specific topic. Here are some free online master’s degree in philosophy courses to look into:

Course	Description	Provided by
Ancient Philosophy: Plato and His Predecessors	In this course, students understand the major doctrines of different thinkers. The course is divided into two parts: Part 1 covers Plato and the philosophers who preceded him, and part 2 covers Plato and the philosophers who succeeded him.	Coursera
The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches Us About the Good Life	This course focuses on the philosophical concepts that provide students with the tools to increase personal happiness by focusing on their actions. The course explores the power of rituals and the importance of sensing the environment around us.	edX
Justice	In this course, students learn about the arguments for and against equality. They look at texts by Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, and other famous philosophers. They also do analyze and discuss texts by some contemporary philosophers.	Harvard University

How to get into the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Program?

No GRE Master’s in Philosophy
Online Programs

How Long does it take to complete the Master’s
in Philosophy Online Degree

As with most educational degrees, the time required to obtain a philosophy program would depend on the student’s availability or ability to complete the coursework and fulfill other degree requirements. On average, it takes about two years to complete a master’s degree in philosophy when pursued full-time. A part-time degree in philosophy would take between two and four years. Regardless of full-time or part-time study, the online master’s degree in philosophy is typically a 30 to 45-credit program, depending on the school offering it.

Accelerated Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degrees

An accelerated master’s degree in philosophy helps students complete a master’s degree in lesser time than a regular program. Those with work, family, or other commitments outside school usually opt for accelerated degrees. They are also popular with students who wish to finish their education and enter the workforce sooner. Moreover, spending less time in school translates to lower education costs. Some universities offer accelerated master’s in philosophy online that can be finished in less than two years, such as Tiffin University, while others, like the University of Colorado Boulder, allow students to combine their bachelor’s and master’s degrees to finish both in five years instead of six.

Accreditations for Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degrees

How to Pay for a Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degree?

Scholarships for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Students

Scholarship	Description	Amount/Award	Deadline
Fulbright Scholar Program	The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides funding to academically bright graduate students for a full academic year. The funding covers health insurance and travel costs. There is often an opportunity to travel as well.	Varies	February and October, annually
Franklin Research Grants	The American Philosophical Society provides the Franklin Research Grants designed to meet archives costs for research purposes and travel to libraries. These grants are made for non-commercial research.	Up to $6,000	February 24, 2023
Gene Hargrove Graduate Fellowship	The Gene Hargrove Graduate fellowship is given to a current or incoming graduate student enrolled in the department of philosophy and religion at the University of North Texas. The scholarship is awarded on academic merit and financial need.	$1,000	TBA

FAQs Related to the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree

How many credits is a master’s in philosophy program?

How long does it take to complete a master’s in philosophy?

Should I do a master’s degree in philosophy?

Why should I pursue a master’s degree in philosophy?

What can I do with an online master’s degree in philosophy?

Should I take an online master’s degree or a traditional master’s degree?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after a
Master’s in Philosophy Online Degree

In 2019, there were 473,500 philosophy and religion professionals earning a median annual salary of $55,000^[1]. Because philosophy can be used in a variety of settings and applications, those graduating with a master’s in philosophy online degree can find work in industry, business, management, healthcare, academia, legal services, and so on. Here are a few career examples, along with their median annual salary and job growth:

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Postsecondary Education Administrators	Postsecondary education administrators oversee student academics and services. They monitor faculty research at colleges and universities.	Verbal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills	$96,910	7% (as fast as average)
Instructional Coordinators	Instructional coordinators help design curricula and academic programs by collaborating with others. They work in secondary and elementary colleges and schools, educational support services in state and local governments and professional schools.	Analytical skills, decision-making skills, organizational skills	$63,740	7% (faster than average)
Judges and Hearing Officers	Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing legal court procedures. They are often employed by state and local governments and predominantly work in courts. (The acceptance rate of students who have philosophy majors into law school is very high.)	Analytical skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills	$128,710	-1% (decline)
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	Professionals working as news analysts, journalists, and reporters keep the public updated about noteworthy events and information. Knowledge of philosophy and perception of different subjects help them examine different angles to a story.	Communication skills, analytical skills, verbal skills	$48,370	-9% (decline)
Market Research Analysts	As market research analysts, professionals learn about consumer preferences, factors affecting sales and products, and business conditions affecting a service or product. Philosophy graduates could apply their critical thinking skills when analyzing consumer behaviors.	Analytical skills, decision-making skills, communication skills	$63,920	19% (much faster than the average)

Certifications and Licensing for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Students

Additional Resources for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Students

The field of philosophy is enormous and goes far beyond what the eye can see. Thus, interacting and collaborating with like-minded individuals and eminent philosophers can produce fresh discoveries, narratives, and insights that will be useful to students and recent philosophy degree recipients. Becoming a member of a professional organization can also open doors to internships, research grants, scholarships, study resources, mentorship from business leaders, and other opportunities. They can also benefit those who want to prepare for their thesis or even Ph.D. studies later. Here are some resources for online master philosophy students to explore:

Title/Resource	Description
The Philosopher’s Council	The Philosopher’s Council facilitates connections with like-minded individuals who share the common goal of providing as many people as possible with access to philosophy. Members can get feedback on ideas and projects and access resources, referrals, workshops, and more.
The American Philosophical Association	The American Philosophical Association works with different philosophical associations around the globe, fostering international cooperation along with supporting more specialized philosophical associations. They hold conferences, conventions, and meetings and offer numerous awards and prizes for outstanding achievements and contributions to the philosophical discipline.
American Association of Philosophy Teachers	The American Association of Philosophy Teachers provides public discussions, programs, investigations in teaching philosophy, research in the teaching of philosophy, and instruction to the students. They aim to support individuals and organizations responsible for improvements in philosophical education.
American Philosophical Society	The American Philosophical Society honors and engages learning professionals through opportunities for intellectual fellowship and interdisciplinary and semi-annual meetings. They also support the discovery and research through public education, exhibitions, prizes, lectures, fellowships, grants, and publications.
Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness	The Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness is an academic society that promotes and coordinates rigorous research and hosts annual conferences to better understand the function and nature of consciousness.

Citations:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook for Philosophy & Religion

Author Bio:

Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Arizona State University Campus Immersion	University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287	$11,720	66%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Holy Apostles College and Seminary	33 Prospect Hill Road, Cromwell, Connecticut 06416	$4,500	50%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Johns Hopkins University	3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218	$58,720	95%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
American Public University System	111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414	$6,660	49%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
California State University-Northridge	18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, California 91330	$7,176	54%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Auburn University at Montgomery	7440 East Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36117	$7,578	36%

Master’s in Philosophy Online

By Nikita Nath

Updated January 30, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

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Best Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Degrees

What to Expect from the Master’s inPhilosophy Online Degree Program

Moral Philosophy

Philosophy of Religion

Philosophy of Science, Methodology, and Epistemology

Formal Philosophy and Philosophical Logic

History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy

Degree Types for Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Programs

Master of Arts or MA Philosophy

Master of Science or MS in Philosophy

Master of Philosophy or M.Phil

Areas of Specialization for Master’sin Philosophy Online Programs

Why should I do a Master’s inPhilosophy Online Degree?

Free Courses for Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Students

How to get into the Master’s inPhilosophy Online Program?

No GRE Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Programs

How Long does it take to complete the Master’sin Philosophy Online Degree

Accelerated Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Degrees

Accreditations for Master’s inPhilosophy Online Degrees

How to Pay for a Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Degree?

Scholarships for Master’s in PhilosophyOnline Students

FAQs Related to the Master’s inPhilosophy Online Degree

How many credits is a master’s in philosophy program?

How long does it take to complete a master’s in philosophy?

Should I do a master’s degree in philosophy?

Why should I pursue a master’s degree in philosophy?

What can I do with an online master’s degree in philosophy?

Should I take an online master’s degree or a traditional master’s degree?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after aMaster’s in Philosophy Online Degree

Certifications and Licensing for Master’sin Philosophy Online Students

Additional Resources for Master’sin Philosophy Online Students

Citations:

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Disclaimer:

Best Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degrees

What to Expect from the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree Program

Degree Types for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Programs

Areas of Specialization for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Programs

Why should I do a Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree?

Free Courses for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Students

How to get into the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Program?

No GRE Master’s in Philosophy
Online Programs

How Long does it take to complete the Master’s
in Philosophy Online Degree

Accelerated Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degrees

Accreditations for Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degrees

How to Pay for a Master’s in Philosophy
Online Degree?

Scholarships for Master’s in Philosophy
Online Students

FAQs Related to the Master’s in
Philosophy Online Degree

Career Opportunities and Salaries after a
Master’s in Philosophy Online Degree

Certifications and Licensing for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Students

Additional Resources for Master’s
in Philosophy Online Students