American University
Philosophy
Field of study · Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Washington
Intl. Tuition
US$62,680 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$62,680 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Philosophy at American University in Washington, District of Columbia, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Philosophy graduates are valued for analytical rigour and ethical reasoning across law, finance, consulting, technology ethics, policy and academia. Philosophy consistently produces some of the strongest performers in professional aptitude tests.
Student life (indicative)
Washington offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
7,266
Staff Ratio
10.0:1
International
5.3%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
77%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£36,336
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Philosophy
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Philosophy topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Philosophy
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
7,266
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
10:1
Students per staff
International Students
5%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Four seasons
Safety Index (indicative)
6.5/10
Transport
Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Washington offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene. A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
- Washington offers a well-rounded US student experience — solid nightlife, good food options, sports culture and a lively campus scene.
- A comfortable and enjoyable place to spend your university years.
What Students Love
- World-class museums & galleries
- Historic city & heritage
- Rich arts & cultural scene
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
77%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£36,336
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Philosophy graduates are valued for analytical rigour and ethical reasoning across law, finance, consulting, technology ethics, policy and academia. Philosophy consistently produces some of the strongest performers in professional aptitude tests.
- Philosophy graduates are valued for analytical rigour and ethical reasoning across law, finance, consulting, technology ethics, policy and academia.
- Philosophy consistently produces some of the strongest performers in professional aptitude tests.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Technology
- Research
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$250,720
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). DC's costs are high but proximity to federal agencies, think-tanks and international organisations is unmatched.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
- DC's costs are high but proximity to federal agencies, think-tanks and international organisations is unmatched.