M.A. in Philosophy
Description
The M.A. in philosophy prepares a student to go on to a Ph.D. program, a professional school, theology graduate work, or simply offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the issues, methods, and history of philosophy.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30
Course Requirements
The M.A. in philosophy can be completed as either a thesis or comprehensive exam program.
Thesis Option
Thirty graduate-level semester hours, including a thesis carrying 6 credit hours, constitute the minimum requirement. Each candidate for the M.A. must pass an oral examination in addition to completing all other requirements for the degree. The examination will focus on the student’s thesis.
(Nonthesis) Comprehensive Exam Option
Thirty graduate-level semester hours along with a written area examination in the student’s major subfield constitute the minimum requirement. Each candidate for the M.A. must pass an oral examination in addition to completing all other requirements for the degree. The examination will focus on the student’s written examination.
Other Academic Requirements
Students should submit a one- or two-page thesis prospectus to the departmental graduate faculty by no later than the middle of their third semester. Upon approval of the prospectus and in discussion with the candidate, the faculty will select a director and two other graduate faculty to serve as the thesis committee. The thesis director will be the student's primary adviser and liaison with the graduate school and, together with the other two members of the thesis committee, will evaluate the thesis and the oral examination. Prior to the oral defense of the thesis, the student must have completed the written M.A. comprehensive examination and the exit questionnaire.