Philosophy Master of Arts

Specializations: History of Philosophy, Social and Applied Philosophy

History of Philosophy

(Plan A or Plan B master's)

Course work in either Plan A or B must include:

A history of philosophy master’s student may choose to be in either Plan A (thesis option) or Plan B (course option). Students are assumed to be in Plan B unless a formal request is made to and approved by the Graduate School.

In Plan A, the history of philosophy student must complete 24 credit hours of graduate-level course work and six credit hours of thesis work, pass a comprehensive examination and submit an approved thesis. Also, the student must have reading knowledge of French or German, or another foreign language approved by the department. At least 18 credits of the course work requirement must be in philosophy and must include the four core courses as outlined above. The comprehensive examination requires a critical knowledge of the philosophical classics and of contemporary philosophical literature.

In Plan B, the history of philosophy student must complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level course work and pass a comprehensive examination. No foreign language is required for the history of philosophy Plan B master’s specialization. At least 18 credits of the course work requirement must be in graduate-level philosophy courses, including one course in ethics and the four core courses as outlined above. Up to six credit hours of upper division undergraduate courses approved for graduate credit may be counted toward this degree. Courses must be individually approved by the director of the graduate program. Plan B master’s degrees are considered terminal degrees by the Department of Philosophy.

Social and Applied Philosophy

(Plan B master's only)

Course work must include:

The social and applied philosophy student must complete 30 credit hours of graduate-level course work, 3 credits of which must be the practicum (PHIL 6965 Practicum in Philosophy). No comprehensive exam or foreign language is required for the social and applied philosophy Plan B master's specialization. At least 18 credits of the course work requirement must be in graduate-level philosophy courses. Up to six credit hours of upper division undergraduate courses approved for graduate credit may be counted toward this degree. Cognate courses must be individually approved by the director of the graduate program. Plan B master’s degrees are considered terminal degrees by the Department of Philosophy.

Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's Degree Program

(PLAN B MASTER'S ONLY)

The accelerated degree program (ADP) in philosophy is designed to give Marquette University undergraduates a more efficient means to obtain a master's degree in philosophy. Interested Marquette students in their junior year (or equivalent) must meet the following criteria in order to apply for the ADP:

• Students must have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.000. 
• Students must have taken at least 18 credits of course work in philosophy (6 courses).

Students accepted into the program may transfer up to 12 credits of approved 5000-level courses into their graduate program. Undergraduates participating in this program are granted early admission to the Graduate School and are allowed to take specific graduate-level courses during their senior year. 

The ADP in philosophy is not restricted to philosophy majors. For additional information about requirements, interested students should contact the Department of Philosophy.

Those who have completed a master of arts in philosophy have gone on to excellent philosophy doctoral programs or law schools, and gained employment in the non-profit and private sectors. Graduate courses in our program offer students the possibility to pursue topics of interest to them in more depth than they are able to do in undergraduate classes. These courses provide smaller class sizes, more opportunities for participation, and an emphasis on the refinement of student research skills.