Philosophy, MA

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Department of Philosophy

Rhodes Tower 1932
(216) 687-3900
http://www.csuohio.edu/class/philosophy/MAprog.html

Mary Ellen Waithe, Department Chair

Introduction

The Master of Arts in Philosophy program provides an opportunity for graduate study to individuals with a serious interest in philosophy. Inquiries are welcome from students whose primary background is in another field or academic discipline. The program regularly offers courses in all the major areas of philosophy, meeting the needs of those who are preparing to enter a Ph.D. program, as well as those studying for personal or professional enrichment.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page

Financial Assistance

The department awards several teaching assistantships each year. A student interested in applying for an assistantship should write a letter to the Graduate Advisor requesting consideration when he or she submits an application for graduate admission.

Career Information

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Philosophy degree program have gone on to successfully complete Ph.D. programs, to graduate from law school or medical school; and to teach at the community college level.

Admission Information

To be admitted to the program, the student must satisfy College of Graduate Studies requirements for admission. Although an undergraduate major in philosophy is not required, some study in philosophy beyond the introductory level is strongly recommended. A background in the history of philosophy and in logic is especially important, and deficiencies in these areas must be made up early in the student’s graduate career. To be considered for admission, a student must submit an application form, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all academic institutions attended.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html

Degree Requirements

All students must meet University degree requirements stated in the front section of this Catalog.

Core Requirements

Thirty-two (32) credits are required for graduation. These must include at least one course in two of the following areas:
1. Philosophy of science, metaphysics, or epistemology.
2. Ethics, aesthetics, or social and political philosophy.
3. Logical theory.

The remaining courses must be selected in accordance with either the thesis option or the non-thesis option.

Every student must pass a written comprehensive examination.
1. Students in the general MA program must demonstrate proficiency in the history of philosophy. The examination is divided into two parts: 1) Ancient and Medieval Philosophy and 2) Modern and 19th-20th Century Philosophy. The two parts may be taken in different semesters. Students may not take either part of the examination more than three times. Works involved in topics on the comprehensive exam are regularly covered in seminars on prominent philosophers and movements (PHL 505 , PHL 510 ). Students are not expected to take the examination prior to completing sixteen hours of graduate work, but may take it anytime thereafter. Students should consult with the graduate advisor about the comprehensive examination early in their graduate study.
2. Students in the bioethics concentration are examined on the history of ethics, ethical theory, and bioethics.

Thesis Option

Before registering for PHL 699 - Thesis , students must receive formal approval of their proposed thesis topic from the department and the College of Graduate Studies. Students should consult with the Graduate Advisor in the semester prior to their first registration for PHL 699 . The program for students who elect to write a thesis must meet the following conditions:

1. A minimum of twenty-four credits in courses other than

2. No more than eight credits for research and thesis courses

3. Completion of an acceptable thesis under the direction of a departmental faculty member.

Three copies of the thesis must be submitted to the Graduate Advisor at least six weeks prior to the expected date of graduation. Three readers, including the thesis advisor, will examine the student in an oral defense. One reader may be chosen from another discipline related to the thesis topic. The endorsement of the thesis by all three readers will constitute formal acceptance by the department. Two bound copies of the thesis are required by the department.

Non Thesis Option

The program for students who elect the non-thesis option must meet the following conditions:

1. A minimum of twenty-eight credits in courses other than

Note(s):

Three of these courses must require substantial papers.

2. No more than four credits of

PHL 696 - Advanced Research

Concentration in Bioethics

Students who complete the core requirements in Philosophy and the requirements for Bioethics Certification (see Graduate Certificate in Advanced Study in Bioethics section of this Catalog) can receive a Master of Arts in Philosophy with a Concentration in Bioethics. Students in this concentration must take the Bioethics comprehensive examination.