COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Philosophy program offers both thesis and non-thesis pathways, each requiring a total of 30 credit hours and structured to provide students with advanced training in philosophical analysis, critical thinking, and applied ethical reasoning. All students begin with foundational coursework that includes PHL 500 Proseminar and PHL 590 Capstone, which together establish core competencies in philosophical methods, research skills, and integrative analysis. Students also complete 6 credit hours of concentration-required courses along with 3 credit hours of concentration-specific electives, allowing them to specialize in areas such as Law, Ethics, Society, Mind and Brain, or Philosophy of Medicine. In the non-thesis option, students complete an additional 15 credit hours of common electives drawn from a wide range of advanced philosophy courses that explore topics including neuroethics, medical ethics, philosophy of law, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, metaphysics, and social and political philosophy. These electives provide broad intellectual exposure while supporting deeper engagement with applied and theoretical issues. In the thesis option, students complete 9 credit hours of common electives and additionally enroll in PHL 599 Thesis Research (6 credit hours), during which they conduct independent research under faculty supervision and produce a substantial scholarly thesis. Across both tracks, the curriculum is designed to strengthen analytical reasoning, argument construction, and conceptual clarity while also developing practical skills relevant to professional and academic advancement. The program’s concentration areas allow students to connect philosophical inquiry with real-world domains such as legal systems, medical ethics, neuroscience, and public policy, making it especially valuable for those preparing for law school, medical school, or doctoral study in philosophy and related fields. Overall, the MA in Philosophy provides a flexible yet rigorous graduate education that supports both academic specialization and professional development in fields requiring strong critical and ethical reasoning abilities.