Despite the significance that we can now earn masters and doctorate degrees through the internet, the looming future remains as to what we will end up doing with such a liberal arts degree.  Philosophy is one degree that is difficult to directly place into the work place, making it harder to attract students, especially during a recession.  Furthermore, during an era where degrees in engineering and business reign supreme, the question remains what can be done with a masters in philosophy?

Philosophy is one niche in the liberal arts community that attracts a specific type of student, one who is typically not as concerned with the future state of the economy as other students tend to be.  While this is not to say that all philosophy students are lackadaisical about their studies, it instead means that they do not succumb to the pressures of the state of the economy as easy as their colleagues tend to do.  Additionally, earning a masters degree in philosophy online allows many students the flexibility to participate in internships and other related job opportunities without the worry of their school schedule. 

Many students who enroll in graduate programs in philosophy aspire to enter the world of academia upon their graduation.  This is one of the more common approaches toward getting a masters or doctorate degree in philosophy: it tends to lead to a lifelong career in the field, either as a professor or a researcher (although research opportunities are typically slim in this field).  However, for those not entranced by the teaching world, the New York Times had a brilliant quote for t hem: “For all the jokes about them [regarding their future careers], philosophy majors appear to do remarkably well.”  The article goes on to account for a number of positions philosophy graduates have earned since the 1970s, including many high-level career positions.  As a result, the credit given to philosophy students has risen in recent years, as the number of students enrolled in such programs has risen as well.

Online education has opened even more doors for philosophy students, as it now presents many with the opportunity to earn their philosophy masters from home.  A philosophy degree now screams out “well-rounded” to potential employers, and as a result, many online universities have added the degree to their programs, including masters and doctorate programs as well.  While a masters in philosophy may not garner the respect that an MBA may earn, students should rest assured that their time and effort in the field are just as widely recognized by future employers and can lead to a prosperous career life.