Find your perfect college degree
If you want to take your critical thinking skills to the highest level and develop the ability to find the best solutions to problems in this modern world of disinformation, you should consider taking a master’s of philosophy degree.
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METHODOLOGY
A Master of Philosophy degree program produces the best future researchers who are expected to possess knowledge of principles and their real-life applications. Philosophy touches numerous topics across a huge variety of disciplines, enabling students to understand the workings of any system that makes up society.
To earn an online Master’s of Philosophy, students must choose the best universities offering the program. Academic rigor, quality of instruction, and overall graduate learning experience are all yardsticks of excellence.
In particular, these features were considered in coming up with The Best Online Master’s of Philosophy Graduate Schools:
- Coursework is delivered in 100% online or blended format, highlighting convenience for students, many of whom are expected to be professionals in their field seeking career advancement,
- A rigorous and engaging curriculum that matches the high quality of instruction offered in in-person classes,
- Faculty and teaching staff who themselves are Philosophy graduate degree holders and experts in their field,
- Strong support and actual services for current students and graduates or alumni,
- High reputation among academic and industry organizations,
- Positive program reviews from students and alumni,
- Full or regional accreditation, as required, to demonstrate academic excellence.
Best Online Master’s of Philosophy Graduate Schools
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
The Master of Arts in Bioethics at Ohio State University is a fully online program offered at the school’s College of Medicine’s Center for Bioethics. It’s a 30-credit-hour interdisciplinary program that aims to provide you with knowledge about bioethics and history. It exposes you to different ethical issues in healthcare, medicine, ethical sciences, and biomedical research.
Admission Requirements
Apply for the Ohio State University’s Master of Arts in Bioethics degree program with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- An online application
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- GRE and GMAT scores may be required
- Official transcripts
- Three recommendation letters from individuals familiar with your present academic undertaking, as well as your scholastic and professional performance.
- Your current resume or curriculum vitae
- Your statement of purpose
Standout Features:
The Master of Arts – Bioethics program at Ohio State University is ideal for medical professionals like physicians, nurses, dentists, and veterinary doctors. It is a good fit for other professionals, including social workers, public policy professionals, genetic counselors, biotechnology specialists, and science researchers.
This online degree program is highly focused on clinical ethics, bioethics, and research ethics.
Ohio State University is the No. 1 producer of Fulbright Scholars in the United States.
Columbia University
New York, NY
Master of Science in Bioethics
Columbia University offers an online Master of Science in Bioethics degree program designed to address today’s critical biomedical and biotechnological issues.
The program is delivered in two formats: on-campus, face-to-face education, and online or distance learning, delivered through the University’s flexible learning platform.
Admission requirements
To be considered as an applicant for Columbia University’s Master of Science in Bioethics degree program, there are requirements that you need to comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- Ability to analyze and think critically
- A completed online application
- Payment of $95 non-refundable application fee
- Transcripts from all previously attended schools
- Your most recent resume
- Two letters of recommendation – one from a current or former supervisor and one from a former professor. The letters should vouch for your capability to succeed in a graduate program
- A 500 – 750-word statement of academic purpose
- Official GRE, MSAT, or LSAT scores
- A one-minute video essay
- A possible admission interview
Standout Features:
The Master of Science – Bioethics program at Columbia University is intended to meet the ethical, legal, and social challenges that arise with the advancement of the biomedicine and biotechnology industry. It equips you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to act as a responsible leader in these rapidly expanding fields.
Founded in 1754, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, NJ
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Rutgers University-Camden offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program in four different areas of concentration. These are American Studies, World History and Politics, Literature, and Creative Arts. You may choose any of these concentrations or take a General Liberal Studies course to earn the degree as a student. It equips students with the intellectual drive only a school with qualified experts from different disciplines can provide.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for Rutgers University’s Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program, you’ll be asked to comply with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of B
- Submission of an application packet which includes:
- Official transcript; minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation from disinterested individuals who can vouch for your academic skills and intellectual abilities.
- A writing sample that can show your academic writing ability. Ex.: undergraduate research paper.
- A personal statement relates your reasons for applying to the program, your intellectual interests, and what you expect from being a part of the program.
- Take note of these deadlines for submission of your application:
- Fall semester: August 15
- Spring semester: December 15
- Summer session: May 15
Standout Features:
The online, virtual classes of Rutgers University’s online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program are designed to cater to its students’ need for flexible schedules. It will allow you to attend and be fully involved in your classes at a time convenient to you.
The objective of Rutgers’ MALS classes is to develop you into an articulate, organized, and prudent professional who can effectively provide written details about important issues.
Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is the 8th oldest university in the U.S. Its Alumni are distributed in all 50 states, in the District of Columbia, and in five U.S. territories.
California State University
Northridge, California
The Master of Arts in Humanities of California State University is designed for college graduates who want to become problem-solvers and community leaders, whatever their age, expertise, and career level.
This fully online program is intended to hone your discussion, reflection, and critical thinking skills, which are essential in helping you to achieve a fulfilling life in your chosen profession.
Admission Requirements
To become a candidate for admission to California State University’s Master of Arts in Humanities, you should comply with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- GPA of at least 2.5, applicable to the last 60 semester units
- Proof of good standing from the last college or university attended
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- Official transcripts
- Latest resume or curriculum vitae
- A one-page statement of purpose
- A recent writing sample
- Interview with the Master of Arts in Humanities program coordinator or faculty committee
Standout Features:
The Master of Art in Humanities program at California State University is designed for people with varied interests like education, art, business, philosophy, and lifelong learning. This graduate program is a great choice for people who desire a meaningful life and greater opportunities for professional development.
CSUN’s Master of Arts in Humanities program is intended to develop and hone your abilities in:
- Logical thinking
- Effective communication
- Analyzing and solving problems
- Making appropriate responses to challenges
The program is also intended to broaden your knowledge in important subjects, including history, ethics, philosophy, Law, the arts, and religion.
The College of Business and Economics of California State University’s Northridge campus is one of the best business schools in the United States.
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology offers a Master of Arts degree program with Philosophy as its area of focus. Offered on-campus, online, and in hybrid formats, this rigorous degree program is designed to equip you with knowledge of philosophy from a Christian perspective. The program is intended to prepare you for a variety of vocations and callings.
Admission Requirements
Biola University’s Master of Arts, Philosophy degree program is open to applicants who can comply with these admission requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A completed online application
- For the fall enrollment, the deadline for submission is July 1
- For the spring 2021 enrollment, the deadline for submission is October 1
- Payment of application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- Two references – one pastoral reference and one character reference
- Submission of two essays – one is a Christian testimony, and the other should be a vocational testimony
- Completion and passing of the Biola English Language Program (ELP)
Standout Features:
Biola University’s Master of Arts, Philosophy degree program is taught by celebrated Christian philosophers. It transforms students into thinkers who can provide intelligent and credible Christian insights to the world, including the church, the academe, the philosophical community, and other sectors of society.
The university’s faculty members are all committed to impart to you their knowledge in metaphysics, philosophy, epistemology, ethics, religion, and philosophical theology. They are all committed to developing you into an intelligent and vibrant follower of Christ.
Today, Talbot School of Theology is one of the leading theological schools in the United States, and it continues to grow to meet the world’s needs for Christian leaders.
Holy Apostles College
Cromwell, Connecticut
The Master of Arts in Philosophy degree offered at Holy Apostles College is a purely online program. It is designed to develop students who aspire to serve as Catholic missionary disciples to the world. The program aims to equip you with knowledge and skills to teach religion, philosophy, and theology and prepare you for ministry work.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to Holy Apostles College’s Master of Arts in Philosophy degree program, there are requirements that you need to meet. These are:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Official transcripts
- A completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation – one from a priest, deacon, or religious minister, and the other coming from a professor or work supervisor
- A 500-word personal essay relating your autobiography and your reasons for choosing Holy Apostles College & Seminary
- Payment of $50 non-refundable application fee
Standout Features:
The Master of Arts in Philosophy degree program at Holy Apostles College is primarily intended to prepare you for a rewarding profession and enrich your knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. It is a flexible program that gives you up to six years to complete your degree requirements. Its areas of concentration, including Christian Wisdom, Ethics, General Studies, History of Philosophy, and Systematic Philosophy, are all available 100% online.
Students taking Master of Arts in Philosophy at Holy Apostles College have the flexibility to study because its courses are offered 100% online. This allows them to study anywhere at any time to meet the demands of their busy schedules.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Liberal Arts is a nationally recognized degree program and the first program in the United States. The program uses your experiences, curiosity, and passion to allow you to find answers to your humanistic questions. It opens a door towards a graduate degree suited to your interests regardless of whether you aim for career advancement or satisfaction in your personal life.
Admission Requirements
Many students across the country want to pursue a master’s degree program at Johns Hopkins University. Be a part of JHU’s Master of Liberal Arts degree program by complying with these requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- A non-refundable application fee of $75
- Official transcripts from colleges or universities attended
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- The Admission Committee may require additional requirements for information
Standout Features:
These are a few of the most interesting features of JHU’s Master of Liberal Arts degree program:
- The Flexibility of Course Offerings gives you room to adjust what you want to do considering your current commitments and what you intend to accomplish. Flexibility allows JHU to meet the needs of working students and professionals in their desire to attain their goals.
- Knowledgeable Faculty – JHU’s liberal arts department is handled by top-caliber faculty. Its graduate school professors are masters in their area of specialization. They can certainly help develop and enhance several aspects of your personal and professional life, including critical, analytical, and communication skills. They can also help improve your ethical reasoning ability, boost your creativity, and raise your understanding of human existence’s social and cultural aspects.
Johns Hopkins University’s graduate programs in public health, nursing, biomedical, engineering, medicine, and education are some of the country’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Clarkson University
Schenectady, NY
Master of Science in Bioethics
The Master of Science – Bioethics degree program is jointly offered by Clarkson University and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The program, which the school delivers in a hybrid format, is designed to equip you with the knowledge you’ll need for your profession’s effective and ethical application as a biochemist.
The program offers three areas of specialization. These are Clinical Ethics, Research Ethics, and Bioethics Policy.
Admission Requirement
To be admitted to Clarkson University’s Master of Science in Bioethics, there are requirements that you need to meet. These are:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- A completed online application
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
- Three letters of recommendation
- A 250 or 300-word personal statement or essay
- Your latest resume
- Payment of a $50 application fee – this will be waived if you attend one of the school’s open houses. If you can’t attend their open house on-site, you may attend it online
- Provide additional information if required by the admission committee
Standout Features:
Clarkson University’s Master of Science in Bioethics degree program is intended to provide you with a strong bioethics foundation. This will give you the mastery and confidence necessary to overcome the challenges caused by complex healthcare issues.
The university’s advanced bioethics program equips you with interdisciplinary skills that will allow you to participate in different clinical and research advances in healthcare actively.
Clarkson University is a pioneer in the hybrid Master in Bioethics program. As such, it certainly offers the flexibility of time and schedule to allow you to continue with your professional and personal commitments while seeking career advancement.
The motto in Clarkson University’s seal, “A Workman That Needeth Not to be Ashamed,” is taken from Thomas S. Clarkson’s favorite biblical verse in the Book of Timothy. Timothy Clarkson is the founder of the university.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Master of Liberal Studies
The Online Master of Liberal Arts degree program offered at Arizona State University studies different topics, encouraging students to specialize in areas that suit their interests.
As a graduate student in liberal arts, the university will equip you with skills that you can apply in several professions, including critical thinking, writing, and research.
Admission requirements
If you desire to enroll in Arizona State University’s Online Master of Liberal Arts degree program, these are the requirements that the school wants you to comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- A completed graduate admission application
- Payment of application fee
- A personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Your latest resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation (the number of letters is not specified)
- Proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language
Standout Features:
Arizona State University’s online Master’s of Liberal Studies degree program is a study of humanities. This program allows you to travel in time to analyze problems humans and humanity have encountered over the years. It also serves as a workshop for applying in the real world what you’ve learned in class.
To allow you to specialize in your area of interest, ASU’s Master of Liberal Arts offers numerous electives. Several of these elective classes are rich in thought-provoking topics. Many of them are perfect subjects for debate and exchange of ideas. It also offers many writing opportunities about religion, culture, science, social issues, and film and media. This program can be your key to various career opportunities in several industries, including education, public policy, and marketing.
Arizona State University is respected for its faculty. The university has produced multiple Nobel laureates, 114 Fulbright Scholars, 27 National Academy members, and 6 Pulitzer Prize winners.
California Institute of Integral Studies
San Francisco, CA
Master of Arts – Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness
Conceived to visualize the human species as thriving residents of the Earth, the online Master of Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness degree program offered at California Institute of Integral Studies is designed to play a role in shaping the intellectual, spiritual, and moral strengths their students need to face the challenges of the contemporary world.
The program strives to develop students into creative, discerning, and resolute leaders committed to creating possibilities for making our Earth community a better place through intensive multidisciplinary studies.
Admission Requirements
If you wish to enroll at CIIS’s Master of Arts in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, these are the school’s admission requirements you should comply with:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Official transcripts
- A completed online graduate application
- Payment of non-refundable application fee
- A four-to-six-page autobiographical statement relates some life events that played a part in your decision to apply for CIIS’s Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness (PCC) program.
- A statement of professional and educational objectives. This Statement should tell what you intend or hope to get from the program and how it will influence your personal and professional goals.
- A five-to-fifteen-page writing sample that shows your advanced writing skills and ability to think critically.
- Your statements and writing samples should be typed and double-spaced.
Standout Features:
The Master of Science in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at California Institute of Integrated Studies encourages students like you to focus on Internal Ecology. This will develop your knowledge, abilities, and desire to address ecological problems based on facts, science, culture, and spirituality.
The school’s PCC program is intended for people concerned with how contemporary society is damaging our earth’s community. It strives to invite conscientious individuals who aspire to serve the world with their gifts.
Sri Yantra, the symbol of the California Institute of Integral Studies, comes from India. In Indian tradition, a Yantra is a mediation “instrument” intended for spiritual advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Philosophy Degree?
A Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate degree typically comprised of two parts – a taught portion and a research portion which encompasses a supervised thesis project. A Master of Philosophy degree may be awarded to students who have completed taught coursework and one or two years of research. Many graduate schools recognize a Master of Philosophy as a step toward a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
A Master of Philosophy program delves into the mystery of human existence and its inherent problems. It is intended to train you to use logic and sound reasoning to discover what you need to live harmoniously with other people. It equips you with many ideas on essential human existence, including ethics, morality, government, and democracy. It polishes the skills you learned in undergraduate school and takes them to a higher level.
A Master of Philosophy degree is designed to enhance your ability to analyze, assess, and solve problems. It enables future professionals to identify issues, organize ideas, deal with questions, and extract the most accurate information to resolve matters to make wise decisions.
The Master of Philosophy degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. This degree program is typically focused on research, but it also includes coursework. The program’s main purpose is to equip students with research methodology techniques and skills and train them to do an advanced critical evaluation of literature, situations, and events.
One of the main goals of the Master of Philosophy degree program is to provide you with skills that are essential in advancing your career:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Argumentation
- Analysis
- Information organization
- Advanced research
What career paths can Master’s in Philosophy degree holders take?
Philosophy is an interesting subject. But you might be wondering what you can do with a Master’s in Philosophy degree. To give you an outlook of how a master of philosophy degree can help you career-wise, see the most promising jobs you can take with this degree:
- Lawyer – Obviously, you’ll not become an attorney after completing a Master of Philosophy degree. But should you decide to pursue Law, you will have a higher probability of getting accepted into law schools than other applicants. Additionally, a philosophy background can greatly help you in your law practice.
- Non-Profit Professional – Many graduates of Master of Philosophy degree work in non-profit organizations where their knowledge in ethics, social philosophy, and communication skills are highly needed.
- Professor – Several students choose philosophy as their major because they want to work as college professors. To become one, however, you need to earn a Ph.D.
- Public Policy Professional – A job in public policy requires communication and argumentation skills. These are the abilities that philosophy majors are good at. They are involved in solving problems that affect the masses.
- Marketing Professional – As a philosophy major, you are well-trained in matters involving society, culture, and human interpretation. As such, you do have the potential to excel in marketing jobs like branding and advertising.
- Financial Services Professional – Your knowledge and understanding of professional ethics and analytical skills can be your asset to a finance-related career.
- Health Care Professional – A Master’s degree in Philosophy can qualify you for a job in health care, including hospital policy, communication, and administration.
- Journalist – A large part of the Master of Philosophy degree involves writing and communication. The skills you develop in your studies can qualify you as a writer or journalist.
What is an online Master of Philosophy Degree Program?
An online Master of Philosophy degree program delivers directly to the students wherever they may be in the world. It leverages the power of computers and information technology to make it possible for teachers and students to conduct a virtual class similar to a real, face-to-face class.
Distance learning or online education is made possible with the power of the internet and computer hardware and software put together. Students seeking a Master’s in Philosophy need these equipment and computer applications to receive lessons from their schools.
A university that offers an online Master of Philosophy program provides students with learning materials to teach philosophy courses. It also encourages students to do research work to find answers to common questions about humanity, religion, and the meaning and purpose of life.
What should we consider as a sound basis for choosing an online Master of Philosophy degree program?
Right from the time you graduate from a Master of Philosophy degree program, you will be carrying the name of the school where you earned it. If you want to earn a degree that complements your career goals, choosing the right college or university would be a prudent idea.
See the important factors you should consider when choosing an online Master of Philosophy degree program:
- Academic quality refers to how a school delivers its services and how the students see it. Academic quality can be measured by a school’s:
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- Retention Rate, and
- Graduation Rate
- Affordability – refers to the amount a student needs to pay with or without financial aid. Schools that offer lower prices are certainly more affordable, especially for students receiving financial aid.
- Reputation – this element refers to a school’s influence, standing, or popularity in the community and the academic industry. It can be measured by the school’s admission rate, enrollment rate, and online enrollment score.
What is the career outlook of holders of a Master of Philosophy Degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says a 8%, or faster than average increase in employment opportunities for postsecondary Philosophy teachers can be expected between 2022 to 2032. Furthermore, a master of philosophy degree holder can earn 19% more than professionals with bachelor’s degrees.
What are some alternatives to a Master’s in Philosophy degree that are offered online?
Here are some of the alternatives to the online Master of Philosophy program. You may choose any degree you think can bring fulfillment to your professional goals. Most of these degrees are offered in schools that we have included in this list.
- Master of Humanities – it focuses on the study of human thought, behavior, and practices. It delves into subjects like philosophy, history, and literature.
- Master of Arts in Bioethics – a study that focuses on ethical and moral issues in medicine, research, healthcare, and life sciences.
- Master of Science in Bioethics – the program is focused on training students to study and formulate solutions to the most pressing bioethics issues.
- Master’s in Liberal Studies: Philosophy and Religion – it is an interdisciplinary program for students who wish to pursue multiple academic areas, including philosophy, religion, the arts, literature, humanities, history, and social sciences.
- Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality – it is a program focused on Catholic intellectual tradition.
- Master of Arts – Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness is intended to progressively transform individual consciousness and social institutions.
- Master of Science: Epistemology Ethics and Mind – a program that aims to provide students with knowledge in ethics, epistemology, cognitive science, and philosophy.
- Master of Science: Business Ethics and Compliance – a program that aims to equip students with knowledge in Law and regulation, ethical philosophy, accounting, corporate governance, and performance management.
