Best Online Bachelor’s in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

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By Dr. Brian Carlson and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in philosophy degree programs for students looking for a wide range of opportunities in education, public policy, organizational leadership and more.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degrees

Sort by:
  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Portland State University
  4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  5. Albertus Magnus College
  6. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  8. University of Tennessee at Martin
  9. University of Southern Mississippi
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  1. University of Arizona
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Portland State University
  4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  5. University of Southern Mississippi
  6. University of Tennessee at Martin
  7. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  8. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  10. Albertus Magnus College
  1. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  2. University of Memphis 95%
  3. Portland State University 93%
  4. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 92%
  5. University of Tennessee at Martin 88%
  6. University of Arizona 87%
  7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
  8. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  9. Albertus Magnus College 80%
  10. University of Missouri–St. Louis 51%
  1. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 17 to 1
  2. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  3. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 17 to 1
  4. Portland State University 17 to 1
  5. University of Arizona 17 to 1
  6. University of Tennessee at Martin 15 to 1
  7. Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
  8. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  10. University of Missouri–St. Louis 13 to 1
  1. Albertus Magnus College $37,682
  2. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,782
  3. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,528
  4. University of Arizona $11,210
  5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  6. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
  7. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  8. Portland State University $8,400
  9. University of Tennessee at Martin $8,378
  10. University of Memphis $8,352
  1. Albertus Magnus College $22,176
  2. Portland State University $15,048
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  4. University of Missouri–St. Louis $13,154
  5. University of Arizona $12,348
  6. University of Memphis $9,378
  7. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  8. University of Tennessee at Martin $9,278
  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  10. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  2. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  3. University of Southern Mississippi
  4. University of Tennessee at Martin
  5. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  6. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  7. Albertus Magnus College
  8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  9. Portland State University
  10. University of Memphis
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  2. Albertus Magnus College
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs
  4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
  5. University of Missouri–St. Louis
  6. University of Tennessee at Martin
  7. University of Southern Mississippi
  8. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  9. Portland State University
  10. University of Memphis
  1. University of Missouri–St. Louis 51%
  2. Albertus Magnus College 80%
  3. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 85%
  4. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 86%
  5. University of Arizona 87%
  6. University of Tennessee at Martin 88%
  7. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 92%
  8. Portland State University 93%
  9. University of Memphis 95%
  10. University of Southern Mississippi 99%
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
  2. University of Missouri–St. Louis 13 to 1
  3. University of Tennessee at Martin 15 to 1
  4. Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
  5. University of Southern Mississippi 15 to 1
  6. University of Colorado Colorado Springs 15 to 1
  7. Southwestern Assemblies of God University 17 to 1
  8. University of Memphis 17 to 1
  9. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 17 to 1
  10. Portland State University 17 to 1
  1. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $4,422
  2. University of Memphis $8,352
  3. University of Tennessee at Martin $8,378
  4. Portland State University $8,400
  5. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  6. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
  7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $10,990
  8. University of Arizona $11,210
  9. University of Missouri–St. Louis $12,528
  10. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $17,782
  1. University of North Carolina at Greensboro $5,219
  2. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
  3. Southwestern Assemblies of God University $8,280
  4. University of Tennessee at Martin $9,278
  5. University of Southern Mississippi $9,340
  6. University of Memphis $9,378
  7. University of Arizona $12,348
  8. University of Missouri–St. Louis $13,154
  9. University of Colorado Colorado Springs $14,560
  10. Portland State University $15,048

Key Takeaways

  • Students in an online bachelor’s in philosophy explore social, political, and intellectual theories about human existence and interaction.
  • An online philosophy program also allows you to study customs, diversity, and societies about religion.
  • Bachelor’s degrees that are the same as philosophy programs include general humanities and religion degrees.

Featured Programs

Best Online Bachelor’s in Philosophy Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Online Degrees

    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Online Degrees

    BA in Philosophy

    Concentrations

    • Applied Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Colorado Colorado Springs

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #8 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    Online Degrees

    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Philosophy Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Degree Level: Bachelor'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
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The Ins and Outs of an Online Bachelor Degree in Philosophy

Prospective students who plan to earn an online philosophy degree will be prepared with reasoning, critical thinking, and communication skills. You will study how to write concisely, structure arguments, and communicate your ideas with the principles of moral and political philosophy in mind.

Some of the coursework in a degree in philosophy includes ancient and medieval philosophy, rationalist, postmodern and modern philosophy, and symbolic logic, among others. The program features 120 credits and can be completed in four years.

Philosophy online bachelor’s degree programs are offered by a growing number of universities and colleges. A GED or high school diploma is usually required for admission, together with application essays and letters of recommendation. Some schools also require SAT and ACT scores.

Online Bachelor’s in Philosophy Careers

Paralegals: Work together with lawyers, preparing documents, carrying out research, and communicating with clients. Paralegal experts have extensive knowledge of legal practices and procedures, coupled with strong oral and communication skills.

Journalists: Journalists are those who carry out research and write articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. Sometimes, they contribute to audio and video media, providing facts they gathered from inquiries and investigations. Journalists work with editors, investigators, and even their fellow writers; although they can also work independently.

Ministers: Ministers work within congregations or communities. They can serve in the military as chaplains, or focus on specific populations like youth. Ministers deliver church sermons, manage church staff, and counsel individuals when needed.

Communications Manager: Philosophy graduates in this role manage external and internal communications within an organization or a business. They often work with advertisers, marketers, social media contributors, and public relations professionals.

Mental Health Counselors: These philosophy graduates help patients, clients, and groups cope with illnesses and mental health problems. Good communication and listening skills are of the utmost importance to these counselors.

Political Analysts: Political analysts evaluate existing procedures, policies, and regulations. They also identify needs for improvement, adjusting them based on an individual or organizational need. Analysts also work in government, fighting for action and change. They also analyze, collect, and report on quantitative and qualitative data based on their findings.

Philosophy Majors Resources

Educational institutions and professional organizations provide helpful resources for philosophy majors. As you enter the workforce, you can use career counseling, job listing, and mentorship programs to secure a job that will meet your professional goals and personal interests.

Philosophical Writing Manual: This is a web page manual created by Martin Young and covers writing fundamentals for philosophy graduates. It also has a condensed version.

PhilPapers: This is a valuable tool for both philosophy professionals and bachelor’s in philosophy students. PhilPapers is the world’s biggest online database of philosophy-related academic journals, books, and open-access archives. This also features a discussion forum, and you can create personal profiles if needed.

The Job Candidate Mentoring Program for Women in Philosophy: This is an organization that focuses on one goal: to help women gain employment in academic positions. Transgender women, cisgender women, and non-binary individuals can also apply to the organization. There are even mentorships awarded to selected candidates.

Minorities and Philosophy: MAP is an organization that has 109 university chapters across the globe and serves faculty, graduate, and undergraduate philosophy students. MAP has a solid community of peers and helpful forums where you can discuss minority issues concerning the philosophy of race, gender, and disability.

The Philosophers’ Cocoon: This is a combination blog and conversation space that supports early-career philosophers through posts and threads. You can find more than 20 philosophy professionals on-the-ready to respond to questions and concerns.

Phil Skills: Phil Skills collects and shares interviews of non-academic philosophers. This is also helpful for master’s and doctoral students and talks about inspiration and information about philosophy careers beyond academia.

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Student Submitted Questions on the Best Online Bachelor’s in Philosophy Degree Programs

Carter asks, “What topics would I learn about in a philosophy degree program?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Courses may include topics such as Epistemology, Ethical Theory, Aesthetics, 19th Century Philosophy, Symbolic Logic, and a wide variety of other possibilities. Some programs might have specific concentrations students can take, so if there is a specific field you’re interested in, contact the department or program coordinator.

Lana asks, “What could I do with a bachelor’s in philosophy?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: After completing the program, graduates will qualify for a wide range of opportunities in education, public policy, organizational leadership and more. Advancing to graduate work in philosophy or another field is the most common route people choose.

Learn more about what you can do with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs
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