Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Clark
In the discipline of philosophy, students learn to systematically study fundamental and general questions about reason, knowledge, existence, and mind. A Ph.D. in philosophy online enables students to continue their passion for the field with specializations like social philosophy, ethical philosophy, legal philosophy, etc. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 57% of people engaged in philosophy and religious careers have advanced degrees[1] because employers seek responsibility, keenness of mind, and the ability to understand matters surrounding us, all of which a doctoral degree provides. After an online Ph.D. in philosophy, one can work in management, legal services, healthcare, marketing, business, finance, community and social service, and other diverse occupations.
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PROGRAM: Best & Fast Online PhD. Programs
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Best Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
Finding the right Ph.D. in philosophy online USA or elsewhere, could present students with a wide range of career and research opportunities. Therefore, it is essential to find a college that is reputed, has experienced and qualified faculty, provides excellent research facilities, allows access to mentors and guides, and is accredited and affordable. Bearing these and other factors in mind, some of the best Ph.D. in philosophy online programs in the country are:*
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University at Buffalo | 12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260 | $11,310 | 74% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
The online Ph.D. in philosophy is an advanced degree program that leads to occupations in almost all spheres of life. The curriculum of this doctorate ranges from around 42 to 72 credits covering the core theological and biblical foundation, along with different academic specializations and choices of additional elective courses. Students can expect to take courses on metaphysics, ethics, historical concepts, epistemology, and various topics in philosophy.
The Ph.D. philosophy online also entails passing the qualifying exam, an oral defense of a thesis proposal, a written thesis approved by the department, and an oral defense of the written dissertation. All these factors together could determine the length of the program. Although Ph.D. students are allowed to customize or tailor their degrees to align with their interests and objectives, most programs will have the following common components:
(a) Coursework
The coursework for a Ph.D. in philosophy focuses on the history of philosophy, logic, ethical theory, etc. Students can customize their coursework depending on their specialization and research topic.
(b) Teaching
At some institutions, teaching for a prescribed minimum duration is mandatory. Teaching benefits students who wish to become philosophy teachers after they earn their doctorate.
(c) Research Seminars
Most colleges have a certain requirement for students to attend research seminars. These research seminars help them expand their knowledge in the field and gain additional insights on how, where, and what to research and valuable information for their dissertations.
(d) Dissertation
A dissertation is a crucial part of every Ph.D. program. Students are required to work with their supervisors, mentors, or guides to prepare their dissertations and then defend them in front of select committees or a panel of professionals.
Some past research and dissertation topics online philosophy doctorate programs have brought forth include:
- Sociological Functionalism
- Human Life and Culture
- Reconstructing The Meaning of Loneliness
- Religion Paramount for People
- Evaluating Life Existence
- Ethics Behind Cyber-Currency Applications
- Pros And Cons of Utilitarianism
- Social Media Affect People’s Moral Behavior
- Logic and Metaphysics
- Boosting Creativity
- Reconstructing the Meaning of Loneliness
- Social Development of Loneliness
- Factors Of Morality and Religion
- Ideal Society- Plato’s Philosophy
- Customs of Dowry Eliminated from the Minds of People
- Exploring Women’s Perspective on Feminist Philosophy
- Value of Truth
- In-Depth Knowledge of Making Human Life Meaningful
- Separation of Social Behavior and Ethics
Students interested in pursuing an online philosophy doctorate can read the Guide to Ph.D. Programs for information on this advanced degree.
Areas of Specialization in Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
Specializations are a way of gaining in-depth knowledge in a particular field within a subject. Students currently enrolled in an online Ph.D. philosophy degree or prospective students should evaluate the different specialization options available to them in which they might be interested in gaining expertise. Ph.D. students can benefit from specializing in an area related to their dissertation topics as it will help in their research and coursework. Here are some examples to consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Philosophy | Modern Philosophy is a concentration that focuses on applying and studying different methods of thought, which are considerably different from the earlier types of philosophy. | Technical writers, critics, cultural affairs officers |
| Philosophy of Science | This concentration helps students understand the progress made by scientific research and how the progress motivates scientists to carry on further research in different fields of science. | Careers in political science, business, social science, and academics. |
| Philosophy of Religion | This specialization understands philosophical appraisals of different attitudes toward human religions. Students learn to understand different cultural ideas, values, and morals. | Librarians, social workers, museum conservators, clergy, journalists |
| Social and Political Philosophy | In this concentration, students learn how to recognize the impact of philosophers’ views on the nature of human behavior and their possible implications in political systems. They learn to define and interpret concepts like freedom, justice, etc. | Careers in politics, government offices, and academia. |
| Ethics | In this specialization, students explore the different influences that politics, religion, and psychology have had on ethical choices and theories. They will learn how to apply ethical theories concerning particular situations in healthcare, government, business, etc. | Careers in writing, journalism, academics, etc. |
| Healthcare | In this specialization, students learn about information and analytics in health informatics, health management, and management of healthcare services. They also learn about healthcare administration and managing healthcare data and its governance. They will focus on applying philosophical reasoning to healthcare topics. | Careers in health care fields of acute care, public health, etc. |
| Legal Theory | In this concentration, students learn about ethics in criminal justice, ethics and law in business settings, cyberlaw and privacy achieved in the digital age and legal issues in the field of information security. | Legal professionals, medical ethics experts, public administrators |
Why should I do a Ph.D. in Philosophy Online?
Doing a Ph.D. in philosophy online helps students build a good foundation for a research career. They will also be able to use their skills to assess policies on issues like the environment, society, and politics affecting society in recent times. The program’s curriculum helps students think deeply and complexly about society’s problems and learn how to develop well-reasoned and probable solutions. After completing a Ph.D., students will not only be able to find work in academic careers (mainly as R1 or R2 professors), but they also can venture into a host of different fields like law, business, social service, healthcare, etc.
An online Ph.D. philosophy gives students numerous opportunities to engage in in-depth, analytical, and independent thought about issues crucial to understanding one’s place in the natural and social world. The skills one would have acquired from a Ph.D. in philosophy online would be invaluable and much sought after. Apart from research and teaching skills, one would have the ability to:
- display transferable skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and critical evaluation of texts;
- demonstrate competence in diverse topics of philosophy like the philosophy of logic, moral philosophy, metaphysics, and epistemology;
- partake in debates and discussions while critically examining texts related to ancient and contemporary philosophers, and efficiently put points forward;
- build curricula in philosophy that shows deep philosophical orientation and connect the curricula with current events and requirements;
- display professional ethics in the field of philosophy, and exhibit professionalism in all activities;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of specifications and topics of dissertations taken up during coursework and be able to apply theories from them in a real-world application.
Free Courses for Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Students
When a student is at the Ph.D. level, they already have a certain foundational background in the field of philosophy. However, Ph.D. students would still need to be updated with current goings-on in the field and understand the developments happening in philosophical circles. To give themselves an edge, students could take free courses online to build upon their knowledge of philosophy or help with their research efforts. Examples of some free Ph.D. in philosophy online courses include:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Philosophy: Plato and His Predecessors | The University of Pennsylvania designs this course. The course traces the different philosophical concepts of Plato and his predecessors and successors. Students would trace different origins of philosophy in thinkers of Ancient Greece. | Coursera |
| The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches Us About the Good Life | This course provides students with animations, discussions, reflection diaries, and lectures focusing on readings of prominent Chinese philosophers. Students would not need any prior knowledge of Chinese history or philosophy to understand the texts discussed in the course. | edX |
| Justice | In this course, students look at the different writing by court cases, articles on political controversies, writings of contemporary philosophers, and more. Students can evaluate and articulate different philosophical arguments and ask philosophical questions. | Harvard University |
How to get into the Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Program?
Entering a Ph.D. program can be quite competitive, and since it is an advanced degree, there is much more scrutiny when selecting students for admission into a program. Therefore, prospective doctoral students need to understand the Ph.D. in philosophy online admission requirements at the college they are applying to and prepare themselves to improve their chances of acceptance. Although a master’s in philosophy is not necessarily a requirement to enroll in the Ph.D. program, those with a master’s degree will have a competitive edge over other applicants. Admission requirements differ from one institution to another, but some of the most common ones across programs include:
- A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
- Official academic transcripts of prior university-level degree(s)
- GRE scores (not mandatory at some colleges)
- A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statements
- Samples of one or more written works (of around 15-25 pages on average)
- At least an undergraduate degree with a major in philosophy or an equivalent level of preparation or degree
- A Graduate Résumé
- At least two years of work experience (required by some colleges)
Ph.D. in Philosophy Online No GRE Programs
Graduate Record Examination or GRE scores reflect the academic abilities of students pursuing advanced degrees. Universities consider the GRE score as a central component of applying to a doctoral degree program. However, several institutions across the U.S. have been increasingly waiving off this requirement or making it optional for students to submit their scores. Some such universities offering Ph.D. in philosophy online no GRE programs or making the GRE optional are the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota, and Western University.
How Long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in Philosophy Online?
On average, it could take a doctoral student about five to six years to complete a Ph.D. in philosophy online program. During the program’s first two years, students devote their time to finishing their coursework. The rest of the time is devoted to research, writing a dissertation, and defending the dissertation. The duration of the program could depend on how much time individual components of the program take to complete, including the required credits that typically range between 42 and 72. The upper limit to complete the Ph.D. in philosophy is about eight years.
Accelerated Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
Students can fast-track their Ph.D. programs in various ways, which will help them complete the program in a shorter duration. Many institutes providing Ph.D. programs follow a trimester-based or quarter-based system to offer their coursework. However, an accelerated Ph.D. in philosophy online program might not necessarily follow this schedule. Students will take classes throughout the years rather than specific periods and include summer classes. Fast-tracking the curriculum can save at least a year or two over a traditional program, allowing students to earn their Ph.Ds. in about 4 to 5 years (or less).
Accreditations for Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
Accreditation is essentially a quality mark. When a college is accredited, it satisfies standards and offers its students a high-quality education, which employers value. Most institutions receive regional accreditation from one of the six independent accrediting organizations, which have been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). These organizations are:
Philosophy programs may sometimes be programmatically accredited by agencies like the Association of Theological Schools. Read the Guide to College Accreditation to understand more about accreditation, its process, and its importance.
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools anad Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
How to Pay for a Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Program?
An online Ph.D. philosophy comes with a hefty price tag. The average cost of a doctorate in the United States is $98,800, according to Education Data. Even the cheapest Ph.D. in philosophy online could cost well over $20,000. A prospective online student might be unable to afford the high tuition and related research costs even if they have no other out-of-pocket costs such as transportation or accommodation. To ease the financial burden students may face, several individuals, organizations, businesses, and universities offer financial aid, which may include:
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated academic and/or extracurricular excellence. Students prefer them because they do not require repayment and can be obtained relatively quickly and easily.
Grants
In contrast to a loan, a grant is a type of financial assistance that does not require repayment. And while scholarships are typically awarded for academic achievement, grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Fellowships
Predoctoral fellowships, also known as Ph.D. fellowships, are available to doctoral students. Accepting a fellowship as a Ph.D. student usually comes with conditions, such as completing a specific research project or spending the awarded funds in a specific way. The most promising students can apply for one of several awards and fellowships aimed at assisting them in remaining in school and being recruited after graduation.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs enable students to earn money for college expenses while remaining enrolled full-time. Students earn money while gaining valuable work experience and bridging the gap between classroom theory and the workplace through these programs.
Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship is an opportunity for students where they can work a specified number of hours per week in their college and receive either a tuition waiver or fee reduction. There are two kinds of assistantships – the graduate research assistantship and the graduate teaching assistantship.
Student Loans
Student loans are available to assist with the cost of a doctoral student’s education. They are available from various banks, credit unions, and government agencies. The cost of higher education will rise if a loan is obtained because of the interest that must be paid. Understand how one can apply for loan forgiveness to avoid repaying student loans by reading about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans.
The Free Application For Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is an application for federal financial aid that all prospective and current college students can complete to check if they qualify or are eligible for aid. The FAFSA Student Aid guide explains more.
Fully Funded Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Programs
Ph.D. programs could take several years to complete, taking a toll on students’ finances. Therefore, looking for fully funded Ph.D. programs that pay for tuition and provide other monetary benefits is prudent. Getting admission into fully funded Ph.D. programs can be difficult for the student but not impossible. Here are some universities offering fully funded Ph.D. in philosophy online programs:
| Institution | Description |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | Harvard University provides funding in tuition remission for Ph.D. students. The Ph.D. students receive a full stipend for the first four years of their program and the opportunity for graduate assistantships. Graduate students receive around $5,000 for research work. |
| Fordham University | Fordham University offers a fully funded Ph.D. in philosophy. Students have an option of a fellowship or a graduate assistantship, which includes a monthly stipend and tuition fees. |
| Columbia University | Columbia University awards incoming Ph.D. students with funds that cover the cost of their tuition and health insurance for five years. Students can receive $33,990 as a standard nine-month stipend or salary payment for those working in research or instruction. |
FAQs Related to the Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Program
How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in philosophy?
On average, it could take about five to six years to complete an online Ph.D. in philosophy. However, this timeline would depend on the student’s efficiency in completing their coursework and research and finishing their dissertation, including its defense.
What are the employment opportunities for a Ph.D. in philosophy graduate?
Do I need a master’s in philosophy to apply to a Ph.D. in philosophy?
How long does it take to complete the coursework in a Ph.D. program?
Should I do a Ph.D. in philosophy online?
How do you get an online Ph.D. in philosophy?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after a Ph.D. in Philosophy Online
Philosophy can be applied to a wide range of topics and life’s problems. Therefore, philosophy students can enter various occupations – from healthcare and law to education and business. Students can rest assured that the education, expertise, and skills they would have gathered from their philosophy Ph.D. programs will always be useful and can be applied in most sectors. Here are a few examples of careers one could take up, listed with their median annual salary and job growth (note that salaries mentioned are not necessarily for those with advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.):
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Analysts | Financial analysts guide individuals and businesses in managing finances and spending money to gain profit. They identify and analyze business and economic trends are prepare written financial reports. | Mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills | $95,570 | 9% (much faster than average) |
| Market Research Analysts | Market research analysts are professionals who study business conditions, consumer preferences, and other factors that could help increase potential sales of services and products. Philosophy students can help interpret data from different sources and devise suitable sales strategies. | Team building skills, verbal skills, creative skills | $63,920 | 19% (much faster than average) |
| Writers | Philosophy students could become niche writers, summarize philosophical materials, and develop their arguments through writing. They can also provide written content for different media like print and social media. | Verbal skills, creative skills, analytical skills | $69,510 | 4% (as fast as average) |
| Human Resources Specialists | Human resources specialists recruit people for a company or client. They often train recruits, manage compensation and benefits, and maintain employment records. | Analytical skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills | $62,290 | 8% (as fast as average) |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their clients and employers. They coordinate campaigns that help in bringing donations to nonprofits or customers to businesses. | Verbal skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, rhetorical skills | $119,860 | 8% (as fast as average) |
Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Students
Individuals who hold board or professional certifications show the public and employers that they have the necessary knowledge and skills in their field. They are an excellent way to increase employability while also attracting higher pay. Students with a Ph.D. in philosophy online degree have no mandatory certification or licensing requirements. Nevertheless, when the opportunity arises, obtaining certification in a field that complements philosophy is always recommended.
Additional Resources for Ph.D. in Philosophy Online Students
The field of philosophy is vast and extends far beyond what the eye can see. Interacting and collaborating with like-minded individuals and eminent philosophers can thus yield new discoveries, narratives, and insights helpful to students and recent philosophy Ph.D. recipients. Joining a professional organization can also lead to internships, research grants, study resources, business leader mentorship, and other opportunities. These organizations can also help those researching for their Ph.D. programs or working on their dissertations. Here are some for Ph.D. in philosophy online students and graduates to consider:
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| The Philosopher’s Council | The Philosopher’s Council is one of the world’s first membership groups of Practical Philosophy, which guides its members into a space for thinking deeper. The organization is dedicated to supporting leaders in philosophy and expanding their knowledge of the world to be able to make a difference. |
| The American Philosophical Association | The American Philosophical Association promotes the profession and discipline of philosophy. They focus on the professional development of philosophers at varied levels and work to foster a better understanding and appreciation of the value of making philosophical inquiries. |
| American Association of Philosophy Teachers | The American Association of Philosophy Teachers is focused on advancing philosophy teaching. They sponsor many workshops and resources for learning and teaching philosophy. |
| American Philosophical Society | The American Philosophical Society is one of the oldest in the U.S. and continues to promote helpful knowledge through fellowships, public outreach, and research. They focus on supporting research and making discoveries and provide members with publications, prizes, and exhibitions. |
| Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness | The Association for the Scientific Study of consciousness is a professional non-profit organization that aims to encourage consciousness research in neuroscience, philosophy, cognitive science, and other disciplines relevant to humanities and sciences. |