2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Philosophy, MA


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 to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter  of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in philosophy, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

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


The focus in 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. political theory, gender studies. The concentration in philosophy and cultural theory is especially for students interested in pursuing a doctorate in cultural studies. The concentration in ethics and public affairs 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.

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


One course (3 credits) in ancient or medieval philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

One course (3 credits) in modern philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

One course (3 credits) in contemporary philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

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.

Total: 30 credits


▲ Concentration in Ethics and Public Affairs (ETPA)


The concentration in ethics and public affairs 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.

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 administration


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.

Total: 30 credits


▲ Concentration in Philosophy and Cultural Theory (PHCT)


The concentration in philosophy and cultural theory is especially for students interested in pursuing a doctorate in cultural studies.

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


One course (3 credits) in ancient or medieval philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

One course (3 credits) in modern philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

One course (3 credits) in contemporary philosophy chosen from:

Students can apply PHIL 721 to this requirement when the topic is relevant and with approval of their advisor.

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.

Total: 30 credits