COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s program in Philosophy requires a total of 30 units and is designed to provide advanced training in major areas of philosophical inquiry, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and the history of philosophy. The curriculum includes 15 units of core courses, beginning with the Graduate Proseminar, followed by advanced seminars in a selected philosopher or tradition, epistemology and metaphysics, and ethics or aesthetics, with some courses fulfilling the GWAR requirement. Students must also complete one logic-focused course, choosing between Intermediate Logic and Language Analysis or Advanced Seminar in Logical Theory, to strengthen analytical and reasoning skills. In addition, students complete 12 units of elective coursework, which may include repeated advanced seminars with different content or other 100- or 200-level philosophy courses, allowing flexibility to specialize in areas of interest. The program culminates in a 3-unit final requirement along with a comprehensive exam taken after most coursework is completed. Students may choose between Plan A (Thesis), which involves writing a research thesis, or Plan B options, which include a reading-intensive study or an applied philosophy project, both completed through Special Studies. Overall, the program develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills, preparing graduates for doctoral study, academic careers, or professional roles requiring strong philosophical and analytical expertise.