Joint BA/MA Degree in Philosophy
The BA/MA Program in the Philosophy Department and Center for Thomistic Studies allows qualified UST philosophy majors (or double majors) to earn a BA and an MA in philosophy in 5 years instead of the standard 6.5. Students receive the BA after completing all requirements for a UST undergraduate degree and the MA after completing all remaining requirements of the BA/MA Program.
- Philosophy is a growing major. “Nationwide, there are more colleges offering undergraduate philosophy programs today than a decade ago (817, up from 765), according to the College Board”(NY Times, April 6, 2008). Fordham (FCLC), City University of New York and Rutgers had twice as many philosophy majors in 2008 than in 2002 and at Texas A&M, Notre Dame, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, philosophy majors have doubled since the 1990s. A 2002 Boston College Chronicle (Oct 31, v. 11, 5) article reported the number of philosophy majors as “the highest in 20 years”.
- Admission to philosophy Ph.D. programs is extremely competitive and students significantly improve their academic profile with an M.A. degree: writing samples, GRE scores and letters of recommendation are all likely to improve. These same advantages accrue to students seeking admission to law school or to Ph.D. programs in related disciplines.
Admissions Requirements
- Students apply in the Junior year
- Requirements:
- 18 hrs of Philosophy
- 3.5 GPA in Philosophy and 3.3 overall
- CLASS 1331- 1332 (Latin) or the equivalent
- Two letters of recommendation from Philosophy faculty
- GREs are not required
Students are eligible for regular UST financial aid, and the Cullen Undergraduate Scholarships in Philosophy.
The Program
30 hours of graduate philosophy: including
(1) PHIL 5314 Aquinas on Human Nature
(2) PHIL 5338 Thomistic Ethics
(3) PHIL 5304 Thomistic Metaphysics
(4) PHIL 5359 Introduction to Philosophical Latin
(5) PHIL 5334 M.A. Comprehensive Exam Course or PHIL 5300 M.A. Thesis.
and 15 hrs. of electives.
1st year: students take 12 hrs. of graduate philosophy courses, including PHIL 5359 Philosophical Latin, and at least one of the following:
PHIL 5314 Aquinas on Human Nature
PHIL 5338 Thomistic Ethics
PHIL 5304 Thomistic Metaphysics
2nd year: students take 18 hrs. of graduate philosophy courses including either PHIL 5334 M.A. Comprehensive Exam Course or PHIL 5300 M.A. Thesis. |
