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MA Program

MA PROGRAM INFORMATION

Students pursuing academic careers in the humanities and the sciences may take the Master of Arts in Philosophy as preparation for Ph.D.-level work in philosophy and related fields. The curriculum for the Master of Arts provides students with foundational training in the history of Western philosophy and religion, environmental philosophy, the philosophy of science and technology, and interdisciplinary experiences through a flexible program. It is also a good background for students planning careers in law, journalism, or work in the private, public, or non-governmental sectors.

In the initial stages of study the departmental Director of Graduate Studies will primarily advise students. Student supervision and advisement in the more advanced stages of study will be the responsibility of the student's major professor and committee. Graduate students assume full responsibility for knowledge of all Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and University of North Texas rules, regulations, and deadlines published in the Graduate Catalog and of all departmental and program requirements concerning their degree program.

Milestone Schedule

  1. Apply for Admission at least six weeks prior to registration (seven to eight months prior to registration for foreign students).
  2. Establish major professor/advisory committee and prepare proposed degree program upon or before the completion of 12 semester hours of coursework.
  3. Meet with Director of Graduate Studies, assigned by department chair, to plan course of study for first semester before first semester registration.
  4. Submit a degree plan to the Department and Graduate School upon or before completion of 18 semester hours (or one academic year) of coursework.
  5. If applicable, determine thesis deadlines, procedures, and requirements and submit a thesis proposal to major professor/advisory committee.
  6. If applicable (i.e., for non-thesis students), determine the Comprehensive Exam date, procedures, and requirements. Work in advance with faculty to study for the exam and consult with the DGS in preparation.
  7. Submit final defended copy of thesis or comprehensive examination.
  8. Ensure that degree plan and committee are up to date and all course work is completed, schedule Comprehensive Exam (non-thesis) or final defense of thesis, and apply for graduation.
  9. All course work and other requirements to be credited toward the master's degree must be completed within five years.

MA OPTIONS AND COURSE SEQUENCES

Thesis Option: Students take a total of 30 semester credit hours (10 courses). At least 24 hours (8 courses) must be taken in the Department of Philosophy and Religion; 6 hours (two courses) may be taken outside of the department. Outside course work is optional, not required. After completing course work, students will submit a Master's Thesis, a substantial work of original scholarship. Students may enroll in PHIL 5950 after they have completed course work and have not yet completed the thesis. Students must pass an oral defense of the Master's Thesis.

Non-Thesis Option: Students take a total of 36 semester credit hours (12 courses). At least 30 hours (10 courses) must be taken in the Department of Philosophy and Religion; 6 hours (two courses) may be taken outside of the department. Outside course work is optional, not required. The Comprehensive Exam is conducted during the final semester of the student's coursework.

MA CAPSTONE

Terminal MA students may elect for a capstone course as their required "culminating experience." Students will work with a departmental faculty member to design a PHIL 5900 MA Capstone course. Student and instructor will submit a syllabus and work with the DGS and Grad Coordinator to create the 3-credit-hour section and ensure that the student is enrolled prior to the semester. The capstone course provides an opportunity for the student to synthesize key ideas learned throughout their program, and it allows the student to demonstrate their expertise in a chosen field of study.

As with any Special Problems course, the student and instructor will conduct regular meetings throughout the semester in order to discuss the selected readings and other course materials. The required term paper for the Capstone, however, will be graded by a committee of three faculty departmental faculty members - the instructor of record and two others of their choosing.