The University of St. Thomas Center for Thomistic Studies will offer a five-year combined Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts degree in philosophy beginning in fall 2010.

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,” cites an April 6, 2008 article in the New York Times.

Fordham 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.

The UST BA/MA program in philosophy provides a strong curriculum of study based upon the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.

The program will also prepare students for doctoral programs, law school and other professional studies. Admission to philosophy Ph.D. programs is extremely competitive and students can significantly improve their academic profile with an MA degree. Writing samples, GRE scores and letters of recommendation are all likely to improve. These are also relevant factors for students seeking admission to law school or to PhD programs in related disciplines.

“Give us five years and we will give you two degrees,” said Dr. John Hittinger, professor and chair of UST’s Philosophy Department. “With this achievement a student will be well-prepared in critical thinking and be an effective witness to the whole truth about man, God and the world. The student will be doubly ready for professional school or additional graduate education.”

Students with a 3.5 GPA in philosophy and 3.3 overall are eligible to apply in their junior year. The application process requires two letters of recommendation from philosophy faculty. The GRE is not required for admission to the program. Students will be eligible for regular UST financial aid and the Cullen Undergraduate Scholarships in Philosophy.

View more degree requirement details.

For information go to www.stthom.edu/cts or contact the Center for Thomistic Studies at mailto:sommers@stthom.edu.