Philosophy, M.A.

About the Philosophy Master’s Program

The master’s degree program is aimed at providing a broad background in philosophy while encouraging complementary work in an approved minor field of study.

The student may choose to complete 24 hours of graduate coursework plus 6 hours of thesis research. Alternatively, the student may complete 33 hours of graduate coursework and then take an oral exit examination over a significant research paper. Up to one third (but no more than 9 hours) of the student’s coursework may consist of graduate courses in disciplines other than philosophy, subject to the approval of the departmental graduate advisor.

For specific information on admission to the program, prospective students should contact the Department of Philosophy and the Graduate School. Students from fields other than philosophy are encouraged to apply, although they may be required to complete a certain amount of philosophy leveling work during their first year of enrollment.

The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Ethics. This requires four courses in ethics on the graduate level.