10 Best Online Philosophy Degrees in 2025

<p>Philosophy programs explore the meaning of life, human nature, and the reality in which we live. Programs are offered on campuses nationwide; however, virtual degrees are also available for students who want to study from home. </p> <p>Are you looking for an affordable program? Oregon State University and Liberty University offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_philosophy.html">low-cost philosophy degrees online</a>. </p> <p>Below, we'll highlight the top online bachelor's in philosophy degrees and share where you can find a virtual master's degree. We'll also discuss what to expect in online programs and list great scholarships for philosophy majors. </p> <h2 id="section---TopPhilosophyDegreeProgramsOnline">Top Philosophy Degree Programs Online</h2> <p>Distance learning is a great option for students who don't have time to attend classes in person. Explore the schools below to discover <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Philosophy_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">online philosophy programs</a> offering partially or fully online learning opportunities. </p> <h3 id="section---1.OregonStateUniversity">1. Oregon State University</h3> <p>Oregon State University offers an online philosophy degree that students can pursue as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Enrollees learn about the human condition and contemporary issues in AI, politics, and social media. Tuition costs an affordable $366 per credit hour. </p> <p>OSU bachelor's programs are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News &amp; World Report. Online students learn from world-class faculty members and can access online tutoring, library services, and coaching. </p> <h3 id="section---2.ArizonaStateUniversity">2. Arizona State University</h3> <p>The online BA in philosophy at Arizona State University builds students' critical thinking and communication skills by exploring ethical theory and the philosophy of science. Coursework also teaches logic, epistemology, and situation analysis. </p> <p>After graduating, students will be ready for career paths in editing, mediation, and politics. Admission to ASU requires meeting English, math, science, and social science competency requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfNorthCarolinaGreensboro">3. University of North Carolina Greensboro</h3> <p>Students interested in careers in politics, writing, or research can gain key skills at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. The school offers an online BA in philosophy teaching logic, metaphysics, and more. A pre-law concentration prepares students for law school. </p> <p>This program has earned high rankings for its academic reputation and financial value. Faculty members have also been recognized for their teaching and research accomplishments. </p> <h3 id="section---4.PortlandStateUniversity">4. Portland State University</h3> <p>Portland State University's bachelor's degree in philosophy examines reality, knowledge, and existence. Philosophy students also learn about early modern philosophy, biomedical ethics, and ancient philosophy. </p> <p>The philosophy program is available as an in-person, flexible, or online bachelor's degree (BA or BS). Students taking online philosophy courses learn in a real-time virtual environment and personalize their studies with flexible course options. </p> <h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfMemphis">5. University of Memphis</h3> <p>The University of Memphis offers an online BA in philosophy with a concentration in applied ethics for students who want to strengthen their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Core courses explore logic, the history of philosophy, and ethical theories. </p> <p>Major degree requirements include completing 30 semester hours of required core and elective philosophy courses. This online philosophy program has been ranked among the nation's top affordable colleges. </p> <h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfSouthernMississippi">6. University of Southern Mississippi</h3> <p>The online BA in philosophy at the University of Southern Mississippi is a great option for students seeking careers in academia, law, and technology. Faculty teach the human experience, ethics, and more. </p> <p>Admission requirements include submitting a high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores (for incoming freshmen) or transcripts from all institutions after high school (for transfer students). This program costs $416.59 per credit hour and offers a $500 scholarship for first-time, fully online students. </p> <h3 id="section---7.PalmBeachAtlanticUniversity">7. Palm Beach Atlantic University</h3> <p>Students seeking top online masters in philosophy can find a great program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The Master of Arts Philosophy of Religion (MAPR) explores law, politics, media, and more from a Christian worldview. </p> <p>The program's hybrid track delivers online courses and one-week on-campus intensives in early January and October. After graduating, students will be ready for PhD programs and careers in the ministry, academia, and beyond. </p> <h3 id="section---8.CaliforniaStateUniversityEastBay">8. California State University, East Bay</h3> <p>California State University, East Bay, offers a BA in philosophy with two concentration options: philosophy and religious studies. These degrees are available fully online, hybrid, and on-campus. </p> <p>Courses focus on epistemology, Plato, Aristotle, and more. After completing this program, students will be ready for careers as theologians, writers, clergy, and professors. </p> <h3 id="section---9.UniversityOfNewOrleans">9. University of New Orleans</h3> <p>The University of New Orleans' online BA in philosophy offers the same courses taught in the face-to-face on-campus program. Enrollees learn about ancient and modern philosophy, ethics, Kant, and metaphysics. </p> <p>All UNO online majors pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency or enrollment status. The school gives every philosophy major the $1,000 Carl Muckley Award upon graduation and every post-baccalaureate major earning a second degree the $1,000 Norton Nelkin Scholarship for their final semester of study. </p> <h3 id="section---10.LibertyUniversity">10. Liberty University</h3> <p>Liberty University offers an online BA in philosophy, politics, and economics that explores pursuits of happiness, freedom, and political philosophy. The accelerated online philosophy degree lets students transfer up to 75% of their degree total to graduate sooner. </p> <p>This program costs $390 per credit for full-time students and $455 for part-time enrolleees. Electronic textbooks are free of charge saving full-time learners up to $2,000 annually. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatToExpectFromAnOnlinePhilosophyProgram">What To Expect From an Online Philosophy Program</h2> <p>Online schools offering philosophy programs often deliver courses from the same faculty members teaching on-campus courses. Coursework could explore ethical theory, political philosophy, Aristotle, logic, and epistemology. </p> <p>Some schools deliver courses via synchronous, real-time classes, and other institutions offer asynchronous courses that students can access anytime. Colleges serving online learners might provide resources like online tutoring and library access; online students can also work with academic and career coaches. </p> <p>Post-secondary teaching is a common career path for philosophy degree graduates. According to the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-6">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>, employment in this occupation is projected to grow faster than average at 8% from 2023 to 2033. </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionRequirementsForPhilosophyPrograms">Admission Requirements for Philosophy Programs</h2> <p>Admission requirements for bachelor's programs in philosophy often require a minimum high school GPA, ACT or SAT scores, and completion of specific courses. Transfer students could be required to submit college transcripts. </p> <p>Students pursuing master's degrees might need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. </p> <h2 id="section---ScholarshipOpportunitiesForPhilosophyMajors">Scholarship Opportunities for Philosophy Majors</h2> <p>A great way to reduce the cost of a philosophy degree is to search for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">online schools that accept FAFSA</a> and offer lower tuition. Scholarships like those below can also help you save. </p> <h3 id="section---DavidsonInstituteFellowsScholarship">Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship</h3> <p><b>Award Amount:</b> $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000 </p> <p><b>Application Deadline:</b> February 12, 2025 </p> <p>The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship awards high-achieving students ages 18 and younger who have completed a significant piece of work. Among the awards is a philosophy scholarship requiring applicants to submit a portfolio with three to five unique written pieces analyzing fundamental beliefs or assumptions about human culture or thought. </p> <h3 id="section---AynRandInstituteAtlasShruggedEssayContest">Ayn Rand Institute Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest</h3> <p><b>Award Amount:</b> Cash prizes and a $25,000 grand prize </p> <p><b>Application Deadline:</b> Every summer (June), fall (September), and winter (December) </p> <p>Students compete for seasonal cash prizes and an annual grand prize by writing an essay in response to a prompt about the central themes and characters of the book ''Atlas Shrugged.'' Contestants can compete in any or all three summer, fall, and winter entry rounds. High school, college, and graduate students worldwide are eligible. </p> <h3 id="section---TheBeineckeScholarshipProgram">The Beinecke Scholarship Program</h3> <p><b>Award Amount:</b> $5,000 plus an additional $30,000 while in graduate school </p> <p><b>Application Deadline:</b> no later than by 5 p.m. EST on the last Friday in March </p> <p>The Beinecke Scholarship Program provides scholarships to support graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Colleges and universities nominate students with superior ability or scholastic achievement entering a research- or creative-focused master's or doctoral program. Awardees can supplement the funds with other assistantships, scholarships, and research grants. </p> <h2 id="section---EarnYourOnlineBachelorSDegreeToday">Earn Your Online Bachelor's Degree Today</h2> <p>Take steps toward your dream career in philosophy by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of the colleges today to learn how their programs can help you reach your career goals.</p>