Master of Arts in Philosophy

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Philosophy must have received a Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. A minimum of eight undergraduate courses in select philosophical disciplines, including one course in symbolic logic, is required before regular standing as an M.A. candidate is achieved. Where a deficiency exists, certain graduate courses may be taken as the candidate completes the undergraduate requirement.
Candidates must complete in residence two semesters of full-time study (or the equivalent). A minimum of eight three-credit courses is required. All course selection requires approval of the Dean and aims to achieve, in the totality of required courses, both breadth and depth in the history and problems of philosophy. Students may not repeat a graduate philosophy course in order to raise their grade.
Candidates must present a thesis to be approved by the faculty. This thesis must be presented not later than the deadline for the deposit of the thesis that is printed in the Academic Calendar. Detailed instructions about the preparation of the final copy and other procedures may be obtained from the website of the Office of Graduate Studies. Six credits are awarded for the thesis upon the completion of all other requirements for the degree.
Candidates must pass the following examinations:
1. All regular examinations in each course.
2. An oral examination, of one hour, before four members of the faculty. Candidates for the M.A. degree must take their oral examination before the end of the second semester after the semester in which they complete their required coursework.
3. Degree candidates for the M.A. in philosophy must complete all degree requirements within three years after admission to the program. Students are permitted to do doctoral coursework before completing the requirements for the M.A. in philosophy, but successful completion of such coursework does not imply that the School will admit the student to the doctoral program upon completion of the M.A.