Philosophy, M.A.

Graduate Student Handbook

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.

Curriculum Overview

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.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

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.

Careers

Possible careers for philosophy graduates include diplomat, professor, lawyer, church minister and public service official.

Admission Requirements

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 Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Assistantship Application Deadline

Students who want to be considered for a philosophy assistantship must submit their application by Jan. 15.

Review Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee of philosophy department faculty members. The American Philosophical Association rules stipulate an April 15 national deadline to make formal offers to philosophy graduate studies applicants and for those applicants to accept the offer to attend.

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.  Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will be able to analyze and defend a philosophical position on a philosophical problem.
2. Graduates will be able to gather sources relevant to a philosophical problem.
3. Graduates will be able to interpret sources relevant to a philosophical problem.
4. Graduates will be able to synthesize sources relevant to a philosophical problem.

Non-Course Requirements

 Proficiency in a foreign language, if needed for research

Continuation Standards

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.

Program Notes

Requirements for the Master of Arts:

• 36 credits total (over two years)
• History Requirement: 9 credits distributed as follows: 3 hrs in Ancient, 3 hrs in Medieval, and 3 hrs in Modern.
• PHIL 5990 Thesis Research (6 cr) may be taken in the second year, under advisor supervision.
• Up to 6 credits may be taken outside of Philosophy, with approval from the advisor
• No more than six credits may be in Research Topics (PHIL 6970 Graduate Research Topics (1-3 cr) or PHIL 5980 Graduate Reading Course (1-3 cr), or a combination thereof.
• Proficiency in a foreign language, if needed for research.