Mission Statement
Ayn Rand described Objectivism as “a philosophy for living on earth.” This idea is at the heart of ARU, the Ayn Rand Institute’s online school of philosophy whose mission is to educate our students about Objectivism and to provide them with the intellectual, career, and life guidance they need to flourish.
How it Works
ARU provides an online educational experience, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere in the world.
ARU students pursue the ARU Certificate program, a 28-credit curriculum comprising required courses and elective courses of the student’s choosing. This curriculum is typically completed in two years. Each quarter, you’ll take one or more courses that feature lectures, graded assignments, classroom discussion, and feedback from our expert faculty. You’ll also be supported by ARU coaches who will help you reach your learning and career goals so you can achieve success in thought and action. Though our program is demanding, most students find that they can succeed by devoting about 10 hours a week to their studies. And while we strongly encourage live attendance, all of our classes are recorded so that you can conveniently fit our classes into your schedule. ARU Live courses can also be taken à la carte, outside of the Certificate program.
Live
Disscussion Groups
On Demand
Lectures
Instructor
Office Hours
Academic
Career Coaching
Who should apply?
College-Age Students
Though you are just embarking on your studies, you understand that learning Objectivism will be an important part of your life. We provide an opportunity for you to improve your thinking and learn Rand’s ideas from the world’s top experts.
Intellectual Professionals
While you do not plan on being a philosopher or an academic, you understand the crucial role that philosophy will play in your life. We offer you the opportunity to study Rand’s ideas in depth, alongside your busy schedule.
Professional Intellectuals
You aspire to an intellectual career, perhaps as a professor, speaker, or writer. As a student, you will receive academic training in Objectivism, help honing your communication skills, and practical coaching toward building your career.
What You’ll Learn
ARU offers education as it might be and ought to be. Our curriculum comprises foundational courses in Objectivism and objective communication and electives covering areas such as epistemology, literature, business, and intellectual history.
Tuition
Admission into ARU is by application. Tuition for the ARU Certificate program is a fixed monthly fee for 24 months, whether you complete the curriculum in two years or require more time to do so. Financial assistance in the form of a tuition reduction is available to those admitted, and many students participate with minimal cost.
Our Donors
Help us educate the next generation of Objectivist intellectuals by contributing to the ARU tuition scholarship fund.
Our Faculty
ARU instructors are world class teachers who combine subject-matter expertise with a deep knowledge of Objectivism. Here are some of the faculty you’ll learn from in ARU.
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