Best Master’s in Philosophy Programs

A master’s in philosophy is a graduate degree that offers advanced training in the humanities, building skills in critical analysis, argumentation, and written communication. Most programs take about two years to complete, though online or part-time programs may take longer.

Tuition rates for master’s in philosophy programs vary widely among schools. However, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that graduate students in all fields paid an average of $19,792 for the 2019-2020 school year.

When researching master’s in philosophy programs, always consider a school’s true program cost and whether you’ll need to take on debt to attend school.

Like many humanities degrees, an online master’s in philosophy builds broad, widely applicable skills that can lead to many career paths. Philosophy graduates often find jobs in fields such as teaching, law, and journalism.

Payscale reports master’s in philosophy graduates earn an average base salary of $76,000 per year, as of June 2022.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Philosophy ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 791 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

While not the most career-focused degree, a master’s in philosophy program can be a good choice If you receive strong financial aid. As a graduate philosophy student, you’ll develop advanced critical thinking and analytical skills while also building broad knowledge of the history of philosophy. The degree can prepare you for many career paths or for Ph.D. programs.

For many students, cost is the biggest concern when pursuing graduate education. Enrolling in an online program can often give you the flexibility to maintain your current job while you complete your education, which can make tuition less of a burden.

A master’s in philosophy program focuses on widely applicable skills, including research, communication, and critical analysis. These skills can prepare you for many job fields, including teaching, law, and journalism. Philosophy graduates can also pursue jobs in fields such as business, government, and social work.

Many master’s in philosophy graduates continue their education, earning a Ph.D. in philosophy or a closely related field. After earning a doctorate, graduates often pursue careers in academia, teaching at colleges and universities. Philosophy graduates may also teach at K-12 schools and community colleges.

Like most humanities fields, philosophy has declined in popularity since the 2008 recession as college students seek more professionally focused majors. However, many employers desire the soft skills gained in philosophy programs, including strong communication and innovative thinking. Philosophy graduates can also pursue many careers with strong growth potentials, such as academia and law.

Many philosophy students aspire to teach at the college level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for postsecondary teachers to grow 12% from 2020-2030, a rate higher than the average projected U.S. job growth (8%). The BLS projects jobs for lawyers to grow 9% in the same period.

Payscale reports that master’s in philosophy graduates earn an average base salary of $76,000 per year, as of June 2022. However, salaries for philosophy students can vary widely depending on factors like location and experience.

Philosophy students who find careers as postsecondary teachers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $79,640, as of May 2021. Lawyers earn a median annual salary of $127,990, though this job requires candidates to earn a law degree. Writers and authors earn a median annual salary of $69,510.

Many of the highest-paying jobs for philosophy graduates exist in academia. The top 10% of all postsecondary teachers earn a median annual salary above $190,770. Philosophers who publish frequently and teach at top universities typically command the highest salaries in their field, though it takes many years to reach this level.

Philosophers who branch out from academia may find gainful employment in the private sector. Many management occupations feature median six-figure salaries, though these jobs typically require significant professional experience.

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