M.A.

Description

Unlike many other M.A. programs in philosophy, ours is not a stepping stone to enter our Ph.D. program or that of other institutions. (Students interested in pursuing an academic career in philosophy should apply directly to the Ph.D. program.) Our M.A. program is designed to be graduate level coursework and research for professionals in areas outside of philosophy. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in another area at the University of Minnesota are ideally suited for the pursuit of a master's degree in our program.

Students who wish to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy whose qualifications would be strengthened by first obtaining an M.A. should consider some of the institutions that specifically are tailored to that preparation (e.g. Tufts University, Western Michigan University, or University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee).

Requirements

The M.A. is offered under two plans.

Plan A

Coursework and a thesis
14 course credits in philosophy
6 course credits outside the department
10 thesis credits

Plan B

Substitutes a three-paper project and additional coursework for the thesis
24 course credits in philosophy
6 course credits outside the department
three Plan B papers

Language Requirements

None

Final Exam

Oral exam

Minor Requirements for Majors in Other Fields

A master's minor requires 6 course credits in philosophy approved by the director of graduate studies in philosophy. Programs are tailored to meet the interests and needs of the student.