The Department of Philosophy offers courses of study that lead to a Master of Arts in Philosophy. Master’s students can specialize in applied ethics, particularly animal welfare and environmental ethics; comparative philosophy; ethical theory; history of modern philosophy; metaphysics; aesthetics; or epistemology. Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin and the Department of Philosophy.
Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Critical Thinking Skills
Recognize, evaluate, and construct arguments in a way that correctly applies logical methodology and evaluative standards and demonstrates an ability to identify underlying assumptions, ambiguous or contested terms, and potential objections to a thesis.
Objective 2: Content Mastery
Explain, orally or in writing, the current state of knowledge and research, referencing the major works and positions in the field, on topics within three areas of philosophy: (1) value theory, broadly construed; (2) metaphysics, epistemology, and related fields; and (3) history of philosophy.
Objective 3: Research Skills
Conduct independent research on a philosophical topic, identifying the major texts, positions, and arguments concerning that topic.
Objective 4: Writing Skills
Write an original philosophical paper that contributes to knowledge in some field of philosophical study and is of sufficient quality to be presented at a professional conference or published in a professional journal.
Objective 5: Oral Communication Skills
Give an oral presentation that clearly and effectively explains philosophical arguments, issues, and positions in a manner demonstrating a broad competency in the field.
Effective Fall 2023
Any courses required to address deficiencies must be completed before graduation. Credits earned through completion of such courses do not count toward the M.A. degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Select 2 courses | 6 | |
| Seminar in Epistemology | ||
| Seminar in Philosophy of Science | ||
| Seminar in Metaphysics | ||
| Seminar in Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Group 2: Select 1 course | 3 | |
| Seminar in Meta-Ethics | ||
| Seminar in Normative Ethical Theory | ||
| Group 3: Select 1 course | 3 | |
| Ethics and International Development | ||
| Seminar in Animal Rights | ||
| Seminar in Environmental Philosophy | ||
| Seminar in Applied Philosophy | ||
| Seminar in Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Group 4: Select 1 course | 3 | |
| Seminar in Major Philosophical Texts | ||
| Seminar: Topics in History of Philosophy | ||
| Philosophy Electives 1, 2 | 6-9 | |
| Out-of-Department Courses 2 | 0-3 | |
| Thesis | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program. In addition to completing program credits and courses required to address deficiencies, students must pass an oral defense of their thesis.
- 1
Select courses with PHIL subject code. A minimum of 3 credits must be taken as regular courses (courses ending in -00 through -79) at the 500- to 600-level. A maximum of 6 credits may be taken as PHIL 695 and/or PHIL 697. A maximum of 2 credits may be taken as PHIL 684.
- 2
Students may select a maximum of 6 credits total within the program at the 400-level with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
Students must complete the minimum number of credits specified in the official program of study as approved by the University Curriculum Committee, and all credit requirements specified in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin for their degree.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |