by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 781 U.S. colleges awarded 9,408 degrees and certificates in Philosophy. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 80% of graduates. College Factual ranks 201 schools in its 2027 Best Philosophy Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $35,030 one year after completing, rising to $60,179 after four years.
A major in Philosophy involves the study of Philosophy.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, philosophy is a widely-pursued major, with 9,408 degrees awarded annually. 781 colleges award philosophy degrees, an average of 12 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 231.
By level, the 9,408 awards include 13 certificates, 433 associate degrees, 7,488 bachelor’s degrees, 1,035 master’s degrees and 439 doctorates.
Women earned 45% of philosophy degrees and certificates in the latest year (4,202 of 9,408). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (4,978) and Hispanic or Latino (1,562), and international students earned 733.
College Factual ranks 201 schools in its 2027 Best Philosophy Schools ranking, including 182 for bachelor’s degrees, 16 for master’s degrees and 5 for doctorates. It also ranks philosophy schools within 31 states. In all, 781 colleges offer philosophy programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Philosophy Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common philosophy credential is the bachelor’s degree: 7,488 of the 9,408 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to philosophy call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Speaking, and for knowledge of English Language, Philosophy and Theology and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Speech Clarity.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a philosophy degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 13 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 433 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7,488 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,035 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 439 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to philosophy, at 62.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 62.1% |
| Master’s degree | 13.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 8.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.2% |
| Some college courses | 0.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Philosophy, with an average median salary of $100,210; the strongest outlook belongs to Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Associate Professor, Instructor, Adjunct Instructor and Professor.
There are a variety of careers available to students who have a degree in Philosophy. These careers include law, copy writing, finance, religious leadership, marketing and sales, public relations, and work in the government. This degree gives you the skills to think logically and analyze situations making you an asset to many companies in a variety of industries. The job outlook for Philosophy graduates varies on the career they choose to go into. Some jobs may require additional training or certification.
The occupation related to philosophy with the most projected jobs is Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Mathematicians | 109,873 | 8.5% |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 96,977 | 14.0% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Philosophy graduates earn a median $35,030 one year after completing their program, $60,179 after four years and $56,416 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $35,030 |
| 4 years | $60,179 |
| 5 years | $56,416 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to philosophy is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Mathematicians | $66,238 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $40,564 |
Philosophy includes 5 concentrations that together award 9,408 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Philosophy (8,635), Philosophy, Other (360) and Applied and Professional Ethics (256). It has 3 similar majors in the Philosophy & Religious Studies field, which together award 11,026 degrees a year; the largest are Religion/Religious Studies (10,644), PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES (204) and Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (178). Browse all Philosophy & Religious Studies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Philosophy | 8,635 |
| Philosophy, Other | 360 |
| Applied and Professional Ethics | 256 |
| Ethics | 138 |
| Logic | 19 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies | 10,644 |
| PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES | 204 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other | 178 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
