Can I Get A Degree Through A Great Books Course Online?

Looking into online Great Books degrees opened my eyes to how radically different this education model is from standard online programs. Unlike MOOCs or typical distance learning, these are highly structured programs with mandatory live discussions where your camera must always be on - no hiding behind screens. The curriculum follows the chronological study of Western thought, starting with ancient Greek texts and progressing through medieval, Renaissance, and modern works.

What excites me is how these programs recreate the Socratic method digitally. Professors don't lecture; they facilitate debates where students grapple with complex ideas together. Some programs even use the same reading list as their on-campus counterparts, just delivered through virtual platforms.

I discovered that while these degrees won't prepare you for specific technical careers, they develop extraordinary communication and analytical abilities. Alumni often pursue law, education, writing, or academia. The trade-off is worth considering - you gain deep intellectual formation but may need additional training for certain professions. For lifelong learners seeking transformative education with schedule flexibility, it's an intriguing option.

I've always been fascinated by the idea of earning a degree through a great books program online. From my research, some universities offer Great Books-based liberal arts degrees entirely online, like Thomas Aquinas College's integrated program or St. John's College's modified curriculum. These aren't your typical online courses - they maintain the intense discussion-based approach of traditional great books education through virtual seminars. The coursework revolves around reading primary texts from Homer to Nietzsche, then debating them in small groups via video chat. I love how these programs preserve the essence of classical education while adapting to modern technology. They're perfect for self-motivated learners who crave deep intellectual engagement but need the flexibility of online learning. The degrees are fully accredited too, so they hold the same weight as traditional degrees for grad school or certain careers.

As someone who recently completed an online Great Books degree, I can share my personal experience with this unique educational path. My program required reading about 100 classic texts across philosophy, literature, science, and mathematics, with weekly video discussions that often ran overtime because the conversations were so engaging. The workload was heavier than I expected - we'd typically cover 3-4 dense texts per week while writing analytical essays.

What surprised me most was how intimate the online discussions felt. With only 15 students per seminar, we developed strong intellectual bonds debating Plato's 'Republic' or Dante's 'Inferno' at 2am from different time zones. The degree required no multiple-choice tests; our grades came from papers and seminar participation. While employers might not recognize the program name immediately, the critical thinking skills I developed have served me well in my writing career.

One drawback is the limited specialization - you won't find electives or vocational training. This is pure liberal arts education focused on timeless questions rather than job skills. But for those passionate about ideas, it's a rewarding alternative to conventional online degrees.