Philosophy, MA
Program Description
Degree Awarded: MA Philosophy
The School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies offers an MA degree program in traditional and contemporary philosophy. General areas of research include ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of law, philosophy of science, feminist philosophy, philosophy of language, experimental philosophy and the history of philosophy.
Members of the faculty are involved in interdisciplinary work in a variety of fields and enjoy close ties with the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and a number of other graduate programs at ASU. The philosophy program sponsors an active colloquium series and regular philosophical conferences on diverse topics. The Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics also sponsors a wide range of activities, including large-scale conferences, distinguished visitors and support for graduate study.
The program seeks to maintain a balance between course offerings in the traditional areas of philosophy and opportunities for study of current philosophical developments.
Degree Requirements
30 credit hours and a portfolio
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours)
epistemology (3)
metaphysics (3)
value theory (3)
Electives and Research (15 or 21 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (0 or 6 credit hours)
PHI 599 Thesis (6) or
portfolio (0)
Additional Curriculum Information
There are two culminating experience options for the master's degree program in philosophy: the thesis option and the nonthesis portfolio option.
Thesis students take 15 credit hours of electives. Portfolio students take 21 credit hours of electives, which must include PHI 592 Research for three credit hours.
Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in epistemology, metaphysics and value theory.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- curriculum vitae
- writing sample
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency, a copy of an article or research paper in their native or principal research language, as well as the English writing sample required of all students regardless of their current residency. The philosophy program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100, or a score of 7.0 on the IELTS.
The statement of purpose should explain the applicant's specific intent and be no more than 600 words in length.
The writing sample must be a piece of philosophical writing, preferably a seminar paper or published article of no more than 20 pages and not a thesis or dissertation.
Next Steps to attend ASU
Learn about our programs
Apply to a program
Visit our campus
Application Deadlines
Fall
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to construct a reasoned defense of a clear, creative, and original solution to a philosophical problem in one of the core areas of philosophy --- that is, metaphysics, epistemology and value theory.
- Students will be able to identify and articulate a philosophical problem or question in one of the core areas in philosophy --- that is, metaphysics, epistemology and value theory.
- Students will be able to evaluate a solution or answer to a philosophical problem or question (such as one of those explicated in the course readings).
- Students will be able to explain a philosophical argument or point verbally.
Career Opportunities
Both the Master of Arts and doctoral programs in philosophy help students develop and hone skills that are highly marketable and easily transferable.
Philosophy teaches its students to think critically, creatively and imaginatively. Though routine jobs are increasingly being lost to advances in automation and artificial intelligence, these skills are irreplaceable by technology, highly sought-after by employers and transferrable from one occupation to another. Graduates have the ability to read closely and with a critical eye; to analyze complex problems and identify all the possible solutions, including some creative solutions; to assess the merits of each possible solution; and to articulate and argue for or against various possible solutions in clear, precise and unambiguous language.
As philosophy focuses on honing certain skills rather than acquiring a particular body of knowledge, philosophy prepares its students for a wide variety of careers rather than for just one particular occupation. Indeed, philosophy prepares its students for any career requiring problem-solving; clear, critical and creative thinking; and excellent reading, writing and communication skills.
The master's degree program in philosophy is designed to prepare students to enter doctoral programs; teach philosophy at the community college level; or work in any area that requires critical, analytical thinking, such as medicine, law, government or publishing.
Career examples include:
- businessperson
- computer programmer
- counselor
- educator
- journalist
- lawyer
- politician
- public policy analyst
- publisher
- writer
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SHPRSGradInfo@asu.edu
- 480/965-5778