The Department of Philosophy primary admits candidates into the doctoral program, but may admit candidates for the M.A. in special circumstances. It also participates in a J.D.-M.A. program with the Law School.
THE MASTER'S DEGREE
The M.A. degree requires the completion of eight regularly scheduled graduate courses in philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. No independent studies or transfer credits may be counted toward this requirement. No course with a grade lower than B- will count; a 3.0 gpa in the eight courses is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the degree. M.A. candidates must also satisfy the following requirements: 1) the logic requirement (satisfied by passing an examination given in September, or by taking Phil 505 or 506); 2) a distribution requirement consisting of one course in metaphysics and/or epistemology, one course in the history of philosophy, and one course in value theory; and 3) a research requirement, satisfied either by preparing a thesis which is approved by two members of the standing faculty or by completing a course of research character, as directed by the Graduate Group, and including the submission of at least one substantial scholarly paper containing original research and receiving a grade of B or better. Continuing or terminating students may apply to the Graduate Division to graduate with the degree of M.A. at any time upon or in anticipation of the completion of these requirements; the Graduate Division requires continuous registration through the semester in which the degree is awarded.
Students who are specifically admitted for the M.A. degree rather than into the Ph.D. program are not eligible to take philosophy 600.
THE J.D.-M.A. PROGRAM
Students who have been admitted to the Law School may apply for admission as an M.A. degree candidate in philosophy (usually, application is made during the first year of Law School). The requirements are as given above. By approval of the Graduate Council of the Faculties, one Law course (as approved by the Philosophy Graduate Group) may be double-counted toward the eight courses required for the M.A. degree in philosophy; the Law School allows four courses from outside the School to be counted toward the J.D.
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Last Modified 2002.09.10