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In the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy Program at Franciscan University of Steubenville, you embark on the pursuit of truth and a rich exploration of the human experience and knowledge in light of God’s creation.
Delivered entirely online and in an academically rigorous manner, our philosophy major challenges you to wrestle with life’s most essential and enduring questions about humanity and faith through a Catholic lens. Begin the journey toward clarity. Apply now to discern God's will and prepare for a meaningful vocation.
You’ll develop the intellectual discipline and depth that can be applied to a multitude of different educational and professional paths. Our online Philosophy Program lays a strong foundation in reason, ethics, and understanding of the human person, and it helps you build a diverse skill set in:
Logical reasoning and moral discernment: In your coursework, you’ll study logic and the foundations of ethics, exploring topics such as logical fallacies, syllogistic reasoning, virtue, natural law, and the principles that guide sound moral judgment.
Historical insights and cultural analysis: Explore the historical evolution of philosophy, influential thinkers, and ideas that shaped Western civilization to understand the roots of today’s cultural debates and engage with them through a Catholic framework.
Persuasive writing and communication: Through rigorous class discussions, writing-intensive coursework, and a senior thesis, you’ll learn to articulate complex ideas and arguments with clarity and charity.
Foreign language proficiency: As a philosophy major, you’re required to take at least six credits of intermediate foreign language coursework, which strengthens your ability to read philosophical and theological texts in their original languages.
At Franciscan, we keep the undergraduate admissions process simple. We accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning there is no formal deadline. You can begin your online Bachelor’s in Philosophy Program in the fall, spring, or summer.
We recommend submitting your application at least one month before your intended start date to allow enough time for preparation.
1. Admission Requirements
Let Franciscan play a role in your pursuit of God’s calling. Start planning for your application by reviewing our undergraduate admission requirements.
2. Free Online Application
Ready to take the next step toward your online philosophy degree? Your journey to Franciscan begins by submitting an online application, which is easy, free, and straightforward. We don’t require letters of recommendation, and the application process takes just about 15 minutes!
3. Submit Documents
Along with completing the online application, you must submit these materials:
Official transcripts*
SAT, ACT, and/or CLT score OR a short essay**
*If you’re transferring from another college or university, you must submit official transcripts from every institution attended. Review our steps for transfer students.
**If you’re applying for admission in Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 with a 3.2 or higher cumulative weighted GPA, you may submit a one-page, double-spaced, 12-point-font essay responding to the following prompt:
At Franciscan University, our mission is “to educate, evangelize, and send forth joyful disciples.” Share a story or example from your life that shows how your faith and intellectual growth have shaped you into who you are today. How do you hope your time at Franciscan University will help you continue to grow spiritually and academically?
The essay can be emailed to [email protected] or to your admissions counselor with the subject line: “Undergraduate Admissions Essay.”
Supplemental materials should be emailed to the Admissions Office or sent to:
Office of Admissions
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
From the humanities to the natural sciences, our online bachelor’s degree in philosophy cultivates a worldview grounded in reason and revelation. Supported by expert faculty, you explore topics like: What does it mean to be human? What are the strongest arguments for God’s existence? What makes a life meaningful? How can a Catholic worldview speak truth into today’s culture?
Our program equips you with diverse theoretical perspectives and historical insights into the ideas, eras, and people that formed Western civilization. You’ll also build critical skills in analyzing arguments, understanding cultural trends, and crafting well-reasoned, ethical decisions grounded in Catholic teaching.
Along with upper-level philosophy electives, you’ll complete a range of liberal arts coursework in other disciplines — including theology, psychology, and literature — to deepen your academic knowledge.
Explore Franciscan's online BA in Philosophy courses and program requirements.
Philosophy Major Requirements (42 Credits)
Philosophy of the Human Person (3 credits)
Metaphysics (3 credits)
Foundations of Ethics (3 credits)
Logic (3 credits)
Epistemology (3 credits)
Senior Seminar and Thesis (3 credits)
Upper-level philosophy electives (6 credits)
History of Philosophy sequence (9 credits)
Intermediate foreign language (6 credits)
Along with competitively priced tuition, we offer comprehensive financial aid to lower the cost of your online philosophy degree. Whether you need help applying for assistance or creating a manageable payment plan, our Franciscan staff gives you personalized support.
Explore Financial AidGain the tools to succeed wherever God is calling you at Franciscan University. With your online bachelor’s degree in philosophy, you grow as a critical thinker, a creative problem-solver, and a persuasive communicator. These versatile skills prepare you for graduate studies — including law school — and open doors to a wide range of professional paths, helping you stand out.
Common careers for philosophy majors include:
As a philosophy major, you learn from award-winning Franciscan faculty who are both experts in their field and faithful Catholic intellectuals. These nationally and internationally recognized scholars are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and passionate about sharing their expertise in areas such as personalism, bioethics, epistemology, metaphysics, medieval philosophy, and many other specializations.