Saint Louis University's oldest academic unit offers degrees in more than 30 academic areas.
Saint Louis University's Master of Arts in Philosophy is designed for students who want to broaden their philosophical knowledge through graduate studies without necessarily intending to pursue a Ph.D.
Courses in SLU's philosophy graduate program examine historical as well as contemporary issues such as problems in metaphysics, epistemology, social and political ethics, and philosophy of religion, among others.
Special resources available to the program include the international philosophical journal Res Philosophica; the Vatican Film Library, one of the finest repositories of its kind in the Western hemisphere; and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
There are regular opportunities to work with eminent visiting scholars, numerous colloquia and conferences, a wide variety of reading groups as well as opportunities to participate in exchange programs.
Possible careers for philosophy graduates include diplomat, professor, lawyer, church minister and public service official.
There are no necessary requirements for acceptance into the graduate program in philosophy. However, a philosophy major is strongly recommended. In general, at least six philosophy courses are expected, including logic and history of philosophy.
Application deadline March 1.
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:
Applications are reviewed by a committee of philosophy department faculty members.
For priority consideration for departmental graduate scholarships, students should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.
For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
History Requirement | ||
Ancient Philosophy | 3 | |
Medieval Philosophy | 3 | |
Modern Philosophy | 3 | |
Philosophy Elective Courses † | 27 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
† |
|
Proficiency in a foreign language, if needed for research
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
Year One | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
PHIL 6400 | Ancient Philosophy (See program notes) | 3 |
PHIL 6220 | Advanced Logic | 3 |
PHIL 6300 | Advanced Ethics | 3 |
Credits | 9 | |
Spring | ||
PHIL 6450 | Medieval Philosophy (See program notes) | 3 |
PHIL 6340 | Advanced Epistemology | 3 |
PHIL 6360 | Seminar in Political Philosophy | 3 |
Credits | 9 | |
Year Two | ||
Fall | ||
PHIL 6500 | Modern Philosophy (See program notes) | 3 |
PHIL 6260 | Problems in Philosophy of Religion | 3 |
PHIL 6000 | Seminar in Major Philosopher in Ethics | 3 |
Credits | 9 | |
Spring | ||
PHIL 6200 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
PHIL 5990 | Thesis Research (See program notes) | 6 |
Credits | 9 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
Requirements for the Master of Arts: