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2010-2011 University Catalog
Philosophy, MA
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Banner Code: LA-MA-PHIL
Web: philosophy.gmu.edu
The master’s degree in philosophy is designed for students who intend to pursue a doctorate in philosophy as well as for those who seek the master’s as a terminal degree, either in pursuit of their intellectual interests or to further their professional expertise. Students choose a master’s degree with a focus on traditional and contemporary philosophy or one of two concentrations. All provide grounding in the history of philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, contemporary continental thought, contemporary analytic philosophy, and philosophy of science.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Philosophy .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet admission standards and application requirements for graduate study at George Mason as specified in the Admission chapter of this catalog. Applicants to the MA in philosophy must submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of student goals in pursuing the degree, and a writing sample. Though GRE exams are not required, they are recommended, especially for those students planning to pursue a PhD in philosophy.
Applicants whose records are otherwise strong but who have not completed at least one undergraduate course in each of three core areas (logic, ancient philosophy, and modern philosophy) are expected to complete these courses before a final admission decision can be made. Upon completion of this course work, the program will re-open the application for admission at the applicant’s request. If the course work is completed within the next academic year, the application for admission will be re-opened without requiring an additional application fee. Degree Requirements
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 30 credits, which may include a thesis. They may choose a course of study that focuses on traditional and contemporary philosophy or choose to complete one of two concentrations. Students need to identify an advisor on entering the program and meet regularly with that advisor during their course of study. MA with a Focus on Traditional and Contemporary Philosophy
Students may apply up to 9 credits from other departments toward the degree with focus on traditional and contemporary philosophy with prior written approval of their advisor. Four core courses (12 credits) in philosophy
Students may be able to apply PHIL 721 to the requirements in ancient, modern or contemporary philosophy when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor. One course (3 credits) in ancient or medieval philosophy chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in modern philosophy chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in contemporary philosophy chosen from:
One advanced seminar (3 credits) chosen from:
Four to six elective courses (12-18 credits) in philosophy
Students who choose to write a thesis (3 or 6 credits) will take correspondingly fewer electives. Thesis (3 or 6 credits) (optional)
Students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in PHIL 799, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. ▲ Concentration in Ethics and Public Affairs (ETPA)
Two courses (6 credits) in the history of philosophy
One required course (3 credits)
One elective course (3 credits) in the history of philosophy
Depeding on the topic, PHIL 681, 682, 691, or 692 may be applied to this concentration with prior written permission of the graduate director. One course (3 credits) in public policy
Three courses (9 credits) in ethics chosen from:
Other courses may be used to fulfill this requirement where appropriate and with prior written approval of the student’s academic advisor. Two to four elective courses (6 - 12 credits)
Students who choose to write a thesis (3 or 6 credits) will take correspondingly fewer electives. Students are encouraged to use courses from around the university in disciplines relevant to their areas of interest, subject to the prior written approval of their academic advisor. A small sample of possible electives outside the Department of Philosophy: Thesis (3 or 6 credits) (optional)
Students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in PHIL 799, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. ▲ Concentration in Philosophy and Cultural Theory (PHCT)
Students may apply up to 9 credits from other departments toward this concentration with prior written approval of their advisor. Four core courses (12 credits) in philosophy
Students may be able to apply PHIL 721 to the requirements in ancient, modern or contemporary philosophy when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor. One course (3 credits) in ancient or medieval philosophy chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in modern philosophy chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in contemporary philosophy chosen from:
One advanced seminar (3 credits) chosen from:
Two courses (6 credits) in cultural studies
One required course (3 credits)
Students are encouraged to take this course as early in their program as possible. One elective course (3 credits) in cultural studies
Students choose an elective in consultation with an advisor. Two to four elective courses (6 - 12 credits) in philosophy
Students who choose to write a thesis (3 or 6 credits) will take correspondingly fewer electives. Thesis (3 or 6 credits) (optional)
Students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in PHIL 799, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. |
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