Best Online Associate in Philosophy

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Find top-ranked online associate in philosophy degree programs for students wanting to pursue careers as writers, authors, teaching assistants, and assistant operations managers.

Top 10 Online Associate in Philosophy Degree Programs

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  1. Liberty University
  2. Community College of Denver
  3. Crafton Hills College
  4. Front Range Community College
  5. Lincoln Land Community College
  6. Austin Community College District
  7. Bakersfield College
  8. Kishwaukee College
  9. Paradise Valley Community College
  10. Blinn College
  1. Liberty University
  2. Kingsborough Community College
  3. Blinn College
  4. Community College of Denver
  5. San Bernardino Valley College
  6. Austin Community College District
  7. Front Range Community College
  8. Bakersfield College
  9. Crafton Hills College
  10. College of Western Idaho
  1. Liberty University 99%
  1. Blinn College 36 to 1
  2. Bakersfield College 29 to 1
  3. Rio Salado College 28 to 1
  4. Rowan College at Burlington County 24 to 1
  5. Crafton Hills College 24 to 1
  6. Kingsborough Community College 22 to 1
  7. San Bernardino Valley College 21 to 1
  8. College of Western Idaho 20 to 1
  9. Austin Community College District 20 to 1
  10. Community College of Denver 19 to 1
  1. Liberty University $22,713
  2. Kishwaukee College $8,820
  3. Lincoln Land Community College $6,456
  4. Kingsborough Community College $4,800
  5. Rowan College at Burlington County $3,806
  6. Community College of Denver $3,680
  7. Front Range Community College $3,680
  8. Blinn College $3,510
  9. College of Western Idaho $3,400
  10. Rio Salado College $2,040
  1. Liberty University $7,847
  1. Rowan College at Burlington County
  2. College of Western Idaho
  3. San Bernardino Valley College
  4. Kingsborough Community College
  5. Rio Salado College
  6. Blinn College
  7. Paradise Valley Community College
  8. Kishwaukee College
  9. Bakersfield College
  10. Austin Community College District
  1. Kishwaukee College
  2. Paradise Valley Community College
  3. Rio Salado College
  4. Rowan College at Burlington County
  5. Lincoln Land Community College
  6. College of Western Idaho
  7. Crafton Hills College
  8. Bakersfield College
  9. Front Range Community College
  10. Austin Community College District
  1. Liberty University 99%
  1. Paradise Valley Community College 13 to 1
  2. Kishwaukee College 16 to 1
  3. Lincoln Land Community College 17 to 1
  4. Liberty University 17 to 1
  5. Front Range Community College 17 to 1
  6. Community College of Denver 19 to 1
  7. College of Western Idaho 20 to 1
  8. Austin Community College District 20 to 1
  9. San Bernardino Valley College 21 to 1
  10. Kingsborough Community College 22 to 1
  1. Crafton Hills College $1,104
  2. San Bernardino Valley College $1,288
  3. Bakersfield College $1,380
  4. Austin Community College District $2,010
  5. Rio Salado College $2,040
  6. Paradise Valley Community College $2,040
  7. College of Western Idaho $3,400
  8. Blinn College $3,510
  9. Community College of Denver $3,680
  10. Front Range Community College $3,680
  1. Liberty University $7,847

Key Takeaways:

  • An associate in philosophy is perfect for those who love to analyze the human experience and constantly wonder about the meaning of life. This degree is a sure pathway toward getting a bachelor’s in philosophy at a four-year university.
  • Since an associate degree usually takes only two years, community colleges are great schools to start your college journey. Most of these schools also offer associate programs on campus and online.
  • The associate degree in philosophy can be a great stepping stone for a career in many different fields, including business, law, social work, government, and health management.

Featured Programs

Philosophy is one of the most intellectually stimulating and enthralling academic disciplines, but it is also one of the least understood. Contrary to popular belief, philosophy is one of the best degree programs and can prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Philosophy is centered around its literal name: “Philos” (love of) and “Sophia” (wisdom). When the discipline emerged several thousand years ago, the love of wisdom was never separated into competing arts and sciences. Instead, the field included ethics, natural sciences, religious discussion, the arts, and much more.

What are the best concentrations and minors for students seeking an online associate degree in philosophy?

Philosophy is a broad major, and having a concentration can help you specialize in a particular sub-field of the discipline. This will make you more knowledgeable in your chosen area.

Choosing a concentration for your philosophy program is a very crucial decision because this can help shape both your academic experience and career path in the future.

Below are some of the most common philosophy concentrations.

Bioethics: Majoring in bioethics is a perfect move for philosophy students who plan to pursue health-related careers. This field marries the study of ethics and health care, focusing on the crucial issues surrounding medicine’s morality. Typical course titles within this subdiscipline include The Ethics of Medicine, Sociology of Mental Health, and Bioethics and the Law.

Political Science: For those who desire to work in public office, administration, or public affairs, a philosophy degree with a minor in political science is a wise option. Courses may include Power and Politics, Topics in Political Philosophy, and Philosophy, Economy, and Society.

Mathematics: This is quickly becoming a popular concentration in philosophy. The study of mathematics can prepare you for careers in STEM fields or even further study beyond the associate degree.

Those who combine the study of philosophy with mathematics will gain a broader understanding of the logical methods that drive mathematical theories. With this concentration, students will come across courses like Mathematical Reasoning, Topics in Mathematical Logic, and Symbolic Logic.

Economics: A philosophy degree with a concentration in economics facilitates the study of different topics like social justice, economic theory, and economic policy. This is specifically suited to those who want to secure a career in economics.

Key Point: While an online associate degree in philosophy can help to prepare you for a number of career opportunities, focusing on a concentration or minor will make you even more valuable to employers.

What careers options are available for graduates with an online associate degree in philosophy?

Although there are limited entry-level career options in philosophy itself, there are related jobs in many different industries and fields that are suited for graduates with an associate degree in philosophy.

Following are some potential career options for graduates with an online associate in philosophy:

Legal Assistants and Paralegals: These are popular choices for those who hold an online associate degree in philosophy. The two-year associate degree program will give students an introduction to critical ethical concepts that will later serve them well in the legal environment.

Students in online associate in philosophy programs will learn how to research efficiently, think critically, and write clearly—all important skills for legal assistants. Paralegals are charged with helping lawyers prepare for cases by conducting research, gathering facts, and writing briefs.

Writer/Author: Clear writing needs clear thinking. For online associate philosophy majors, clear and logical thinking is the priority. An online philosophy program requires students to take classes in logic and reasoning, and they will routinely take part in debates that summon their deep level of thought and analysis. All these things make for great preparation for a budding career as an author or a writer.

Community and Social Service Managers: Because online philosophy students study social issues thoroughly in their associate degree program, they are the perfect candidates for community and social service management positions.

Philosophy graduates in this role create and oversee plans to create, maintain, and enhance local social service and community programs. These professionals rely on their impeccable thinking skills to assess the efficiency of their plans and create necessary adjustments and changes.

Teacher: An online associate degree in philosophy is a great addition to a student’s portfolio when entering a teacher’s college. This degree will prepare students to teach general humanities courses in private and public high schools.

Note that teaching in a public high school requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. Graduates may also desire to teach at a college or university, although that requires an additional post-graduate degree.

Bottom Line: An online associate in philosophy degree can be a great stepping stone into many career fields. However, to secure a position beyond entry-level typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philosophy Degrees

For those who like to think critically, analyze the human experience, and ponder the meaning of life, an associate degree in philosophy may be a great starting point in your higher education.

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You’ll read works by history’s great thinkers as you explore key topics like ethics, logic, religion, and social convention.

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Associate programs are available online and on campus and typically require 60 credits, which takes roughly two years to complete.

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Philosophy is a great stepping stone for the fields of law, business, government, social work, and health management. Many students continue in their education after earning their associate in philosophy, but some pursue careers as writers, authors, teaching assistants, and assistant operations managers.

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Learn more about how to major in philosophy.

15 Best Online Associate’s in Philosophy Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    129K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/25

    Online Degrees

    AA in Philosophy, Politics And Economics
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #3

    Crafton Hills College

    Yucaipa , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    8K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    9K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #7

    Bakersfield College

    Bakersfield , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    36K

    Online Degrees

    AA-T in Philosophy

    Concentrations

    • Transfer
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    19K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Liberal Arts

    Concentrations

    • Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #13

    San Bernardino Valley College

    San Bernardino , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    17K

    Online Degrees

    AA-T in Philosophy

    Concentrations

    • Transfer
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    21K

    Online Degrees

    AA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Philosophy Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Degree Level: Associate's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary2.75%$76,104

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$46,769$75,035$123,451

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Ohio14% higher than average$80,060
#3 Georgia13% higher than average$80,350
#4 Texas10% higher than average$81,680
#5 New York5% higher than average$94,880
#6 Vermont13% higher than average$101,990

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$76,104
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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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