Master of Arts in Philosophy

The Masterʼs Programs

The program leading to the Master’s or Master of Arts in Philosophy is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in non-college teaching professions or for doctoral study in Philosophy. The program engages students in a serious and thorough study of the Western philosophic tradition. Although this study involves a close examination of historical authors and doctrines, students should hope above all to recover the best of the philosophic tradition by rethinking the past in light of fundamental questions, new and old.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission includes a completed application form, two letters of reference, a statement of purpose, an intellectual autobiography, a sample of academic writing, official transcripts of previous college work and GRE General Test scores that are not more than five years previous to the date of application. Possession of a bachelor’s degree is prerequisite to matriculating in the program. Ordinarily candidates should have attained a bachelor’s degree in the discipline. However, at least 15 credit hours of course work that covers classical metaphysics, ethics and the history of philosophy is prerequisite to graduate studies in philosophy.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts in Philosophy (M.A.)

1. Eight graduate courses in philosophy (24 credits).
2. Master’s thesis (six credits).
3. Proficiency in at least one foreign language pertinent to the field of thesis research.
4. A comprehensive examination demonstrating critical mastery of a number of philosophical texts specified by the Department.

Course Information

Courses in Philosophy