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Philosophy Department

Philosophy Graduate Programs

The Masters of Arts degree in Philosophy offers concentrations in (1) Traditional and Contemporary Philosophy and (2) Professional Ethics.

The concentration in the traditional and contemporary Philosophy is for students who want to deepen their understanding of philosophical issues and for students who are preparing to pursue doctoral studies in philosophy or related fields, e.g. Cultural Studies, Political Theory and Gender Studies. This concentration draws on the faculty’s expertise in the history of philosophy, social and political philosophy, feminist theory, analytical and continental philosophy, and philosophy of science.

The concentration in Professional Ethics is designed for professionals who want to combine the study of ethics and the analysis of social and public policies in a variety of settings, including business, health care, biomedical technology, law or government. This concentration draws on the faculty’s expertise in biomedical ethics, health care ethics, business ethics, environmental ethics and ethical theory.

The Accelerated Master's Program

Philosophy majors with a strong record are encouraged to apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program in Philosophy. On admission to this program students may be able to complete a B.A. and an M.A. in Philosophy in 5 years. Click here for more information.

Philosophy M.A.

Application Deadlines for the M.A. Program

• Applications for Fall are due April 15

• Applications for Spring are due November 11

Although the GRE is not required, it is strongly recommended for those who plan to pursue a Ph.D. Three letters of recommendation, current transcript, writing sample, and resume are required wih the application. Click here to apply online.

Degree Requirements
Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours, which include the specific course requirements listed below and may include a thesis or project. All students must secure an advisor when they enter the program and work closely with a mentor-advisor as they go through the program. A student may, with an advisor’s approval, apply up to 9 credit hours towards the degree with courses offered by other departments.

The concentration in traditional and contemporary Philosophy requires the following:

• 3 credits in ancient or medieval philosophy (PHIL 602, PHIL 604, or PHL 681
  or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits in modern philosophy (PHIL 605, PHIL 608, or PHIL 681 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits in contemporary philosophy (PHIL 616, PHIL 618, or PHIL 681 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits in advanced seminar (PHIL 720 or PHIL 733)
• 18 credits of electives that may include 3 to 6 thesis credits

The Concentration in Professional Ethics course of study requires the following:

• 6 credits in the history of philosophy including the history of ethical theory (PHIL 640 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits in professional ethics (PHIL 641or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 6 credits in applied ethics chosen from biomedical ethics (PHIL 642), environmental ethics (PHIL 643), business and organizational ethics (PHIL 644), or administration of justice ethics (PHIL 645 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 15 credits of electives that may include 3-6 thesis credits

For inquiries and additional information contact:
Dr. Debra Bergoffen | dbergoff@gmu.edu | Robinson Hall B 457 |
703 993-1294 voice | 703 993-1297 fax

Certificate in Professional Ethics

Application for the Certificate in Professional Ethics

Rolling admissions. Late applicants are considered on a space-available basis. Admitted master's and doctoral students should apply to the Professional Ethics certification program in their first semester of study using the Secondary Program Application. Certificate applicants must submit a goals statement. Click here to apply online.

The GRE is optional.

Certificate Requirements
The certificate program in professional ethics emphasizes critical rational thought about matters of ethics, and therefore is an excellent complement to other professional degree programs such as law and business, medicine, nursing, health care administration, public administration and administration of justice. All students must secure an advisor when they enter the program and work closely with a mentor-advisor throughout the program.

Students must successfully complete 15 graduate credits including the requirements listed below:

• 3 credits in the history of ethical history (PHIL 640 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits in professional ethics (PHIL 641or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 6 credits in applied ethics chosen from biomedical ethics (PHIL 642), environmental ethics (PHIL 643), business and organizational ethics (PHIL 644), or administration of justice ethics (PHIL 645 or PHIL 691 where appropriate)
• 3 credits of electives chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor

Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships

Starting in fall 2007 the Philosophy department will have a limited amount of funding to offer some graduate students. Please contact the graduate coordinator or department chair for information on how to apply for this funding.

In addition, there are some graduate fellowships outside the department to consider applying for. Click here graduate scholarships of particular interest to Philosophy students.

For inquiries and additional information contact:
Dr. Debra Bergoffen | dbergoff@gmu.edu | Robinson Hall B 457
703 993-1294 voice | 703 993-1297 fax