Philosophy & Religion

MA in Philosophy

Refer to the Graduate Handbook for additional details about the program.

The Department of Philosophy offers degree flexibility by providing three possible paths toward an MA:

MA in the History of Philosophy emphasizes the rich, multi-cultural heritage of the discipline, providing the opportunity to study Asian and Latin American philosophies as well as the traditional Western canon.

"As a student in the History of Philosophy track, what most strikes me about this department is the closeness which we students share both among ourselves and with professors. Over the past few years I have formed relationships in the department that I am sure will last for years to come. The graduate courses are small and provide the perfect environment in which to flourish as a student. The course offerings are a great mix of traditional and marginalized branches of philosophy. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if it weren't for this department."
-David Gougelet, 2002

MA in Philosophy and Social Policy applies ethics and political philosophy to the complex social issues of today, combining philosophy with another related field to provide a grounding for designing and evaluating social policy.

"The MA in Philosophy and Social Policy has allowed me to use philosophy in a practical way every day. I have a great internship at the Ethics Resource Center, and the classes I am taking work with each other to create a total learning experience. The professors take an active interest in students' lives and are a constant help in finding jobs and internships and providing personalized learning opportunities."
-Brenda Hanzl, 2002

MA in Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs (EPGA), sponsored jointly with the School of International Service, applies philosophy to the dynamics of conflict, international policy, and political and social institutions. Since this is a joint program, it has separate guidelines from the other two tracks offered by the Department of Philosophy. Refer to the Graduate Handbook for the EPGA Program or consult one of the co-directors of this program for details:

Evan Berry, 202-885-2493, berry@american.edu
Julie Mertus, 202-885-2215, mertus@american.edu

In addition to preparing students for PhD programs or law school, the Department’s emphasis on research, writing, and philosophical interpretation prepares its students for careers in government, non-governmental organizations (such as public policy institutes and ethics organizations), education, and business. Recent graduates are pursuing Ph.D.s at universities throughout the U.S. as well as working in organizations such as the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Institute of Peace.

As a new graduate student, you probably have questions such as where to find a place to live, how to get a parking permit and ID card, how to use DC's public transportation, or how to obtain health insurance. American University's New Student Programs Office provides answers to these questions and many others.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for graduate study. Admission is based on academic record, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an academic writing sample. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General is required. 

Tracks

History of Philosophy or Philosophy and Social Policy 

Degree Requirements

History of Philosophy Track

• Substantial research paper focusing on a major text by a single figure in the history of Western or non-Western philosophy
• Comprehensive examination requirement: submission of two qualifying papers, including one from a historical period of philosophy and one from feminist, Latin American, or Asian philosophy, or critical race theory

Philosophy and Social Policy Track

• Substantial research paper analyzing the ethical and social issues arising from the student's internship experience.
• Comprehensive examination requirement: submission of two qualifying papers, including one in theoretical or applied ethics and one in nineteenth or twentieth century philosophy

Course Requirements

History of Philosophy Track (33 credit hours)

• 33 credit hours of approved graduate course work 

Philosophy and Social Policy Track (33 credit hours)

• 6 credit hours from the following: 
• PHIL-520 Seminar on Ethical Theory (3) 
• PHIL-525 Seminar on Modern Moral Problems (3) 
• an approved course in either ethics or applied ethics (3) 
• 6 credit hours from the following: 
• PHIL-602 Nineteenth Century Philosophy (3) 
• PHIL-603 Twentieth Century Philosophy (3) 
• an approved course in the history of philosophy  (3) 
• PHIL-691 Internship in Philosophy  (3)  
• 6 credit hours in applied philosophy, with departmental approval 
• 6 credit hours in philosophy or religion, with departmental approval 
• 6 credit hours in social science or social policy from fields such as economics, sociology, anthropology, government, public administration, and justice, with departmental approval