Why You Should Get An Online Philosophy Degree

Are you someone who finds themselves deep in thought questioning everything that exists? If yes, there’s a degree you can study for that! Even if this doesn’t sum up how you think, a philosophy degree could still be a solid path as philosophy literally means for “the love of wisdom.” At the core, philosophy questions the nature of reality and what we understand to be the truth. To major in philosophy, you have the choice of earning an online philosophy degree or studying philosophy on campus at a traditional university.

While many people wonder what they may be able to do with a philosophy degree, what you learn can actually be applied to any field. This is because philosophy involves breaking down complex ideas and creating persuasive arguments. The degree takes you deep into several topics that rely on critical thinking skills and analysis.

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What Is A Philosophy Degree?

Philosophy is the study of knowledge, the human condition, and ethics. It positions people to challenge their realities and question their assumptions. Subdivisions within philosophy degrees will bring up topics like why we dream and whether or not God exists.

Undergraduate degrees in philosophy take about three to four years to complete. The degree falls under humanities, although there are some courses which will feel closer to mathematics and science.

What Will I Learn?

So far, the idea of a philosophy degree probably sounds a little broad. So, let’s take a look at what exactly you will learn during your time earning a degree in philosophy.

In the first two years of your undergraduate studies, classes will be broad and teach modules that create a foundation for ideas, logic, reasoning, and arguments. Near the end of the degree, students will specialize or can choose a path to follow to enroll in classes that cover the topics they care most about.

Within a philosophy degree, modules include: logic, metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of the mind, and political philosophy. You’ll spend a lot of time reading and writing and may be asked to perform your own research.

What Can I Do With A Philosophy Degree?

Upon graduating with a degree in philosophy, you can enter many different disciplines. Some common fields of choice for graduates include: PR, teaching, politics, communications, HR, publishing, and advertising. Additionally, you can use your knowledge from a philosophy degree to work in business, civil service, law and banking.

As you can see, a philosophy degree can open the door to so many different opportunities and that can be attributed to the nature of the coursework. The subject covers such a wide range of information and forces people to think in new ways rather than accepting information at face value.

The broad degree provides you with many valuable transferable skills like: analytical thinking, persuasive writing, reasoning, and communication.

Additionally, for students who may want to continue with their education and pursue a master’s degree, an undergraduate degree in philosophy has proven to prepare students well for the GRE (graduate school entrance exam).

5 Top Affordable Online Philosophy Programs

There are many affordable options to earn your philosophy degree online. For some of the most affordable options in the United States, the cost of the degree works out to be less than $10,000 a year. Here’s a look at some of the online programs:

1. Fort Hays State University

• Annual Tuition: $6,560

The school offers over 200 degree and certificate programs, including philosophy

2. American Public University System

• Annual Tuition: $8,100

The online university has a focus on educating the nation’s military and public service communities

3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Annual Tuition: $8,400

This non-profit public university offers online courses and you can earn a bachelor of arts in Philosophy/Religious Studies

4. University of South Mississippi

• Annual Tuition: $8,624

The University of South Mississippi offers on-campus and online options for students

5. University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Annual Tuition: $10,061

A Bachelor’s of Art in Philosophy is just one of many online degrees offered by this online and on-campus, accredited university.

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Why Study Online?

Deciding whether to earn your degree online or at a traditional campus may be an option for some and a necessity for others.

For example, if you are someone who is looking to make a career change or is raising a family while studying, then online college offers a more conducive and affordable way to do so. Because of the accessibility and various other benefits, online degrees are growing in their popularity.

Online degrees offer students with the ultimate flexibility to study whenever and wherever they want to. Thanks to the internet, students can say goodbye to the geographical and physical constraints that college campuses have otherwise created. Furthermore, because of the lower overhead costs, online degrees tend to be more affordable than their traditional counterparts, without sacrificing any of the quality of the degree.

The most important factor to consider when enrolling in an online program is its accreditation. A third party accredits universities to determine if their promises ring true in reality. As such, any accredited institution is nationally recognized by both institutions of higher education and employers alike.

Although the University of the People does not have an online philosophy degree, we do offer accredited degrees in Health Science, Education, Business Administration, and Computer Science. In fact, many students who earn their undergraduate degree in philosophy carry on to earn their Master’s in Education.

The Bottom Line

A degree in philosophy can benefit students who wish to work in a variety of fields. The value of the degree takes its shape in all the knowledge you can gain from it. As a broad degree, you will undoubtedly hone transferable skills that can then be applied to other educational pursuits or within the career of your choice.

If you wish to earn your degree online, that is another suitable option that proves to be worthwhile and affordable. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you learn and who you network with. If you have a love for wisdom, then check out your opportunities to major in philosophy.