Graduate Philosophy Programs

The Master of Arts in Philosophy in the Center for Thomistic Studies is a 30-credit hour program with 18 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives. The program requires a comprehensive examination before applicant can be accepted into the program.

1. The MA Comprehensive Examination is taken at the end of the semester in which the student takes the Comprehensive Examination Course. Students must obtain written permission from the Director of the Center in order to schedule the MA Comprehensive Examination in a semester other than the fourth semester of MA study.
2. The candidate takes the two parts of the six-hour written examination either on the same day or on two consecutive days. The first part of the examination will cover ancient and medieval; the second part will cover early modern, late modern, and recent Thomistic material. Students must take the oral examination within one week of the written examination.
3. The MA Comprehensive Examination is organized by the faculty member designated as the Faculty Coordinator. The Faculty Coordinator is responsible for the MA Comprehensive Course for that academic year. The Faculty Coordinator will solicit written questions from all Center faculty and at least two Center faculty members must grade each question. In consultation with the Director of the Center, the Faculty Coordinator will average the grades on the written test. Students must pass the written test with a minimum grade of “B-” in order to proceed to the oral examination. If a student fails the written examination, she/he must retake the exam within six months.
4. The oral component of the examination lasts one hour and is set by three faculty examiners chosen by the Faculty Coordinator in consultation with the Director of the Center. The three examiners determine the grade for the oral examination. If the candidate passes the oral with a minimum grade of “B-”, the three examiners compare the written and oral grades and then by vote determine an overall grade for the MA Comprehensive Examination. This grade is entered as the grade for the MA Comprehensive Course. If a student fails the oral examination, he must retake it within six months.

degree plan MA in Philosophy

The University of St. Thomas offers a dual philosophy and theology program that has students studying at the renowned Center for Thomistic Studies while graduating with a background in both theology and philosophy.

degree plan MA in Philosophy & Theology

The Ph.D. in Philosophy in the Center for Thomistic Studies follows a rigorous curriculum that will prepare students to have successful careers. Before being accepted into the program, students will need to take a comprehensive examination.

1. All course work must be completed before the PhD Comprehensive Examination is taken.
2. Students preparing for the PhD Comprehensive Examination should register for PHIL 5605: Doctoral Exam the first semester after completing course work and PHIL 5606 for all succeeding semesters until their dissertation topic has been approved.
3. The PhD Comprehensive Examination is taken during the regular semester following completion of course work. Written permission from the Director of the Center must be obtained to schedule the PhD Comprehensive Examination at a different time.
4. The PhD Comprehensive Examination is organized by the Director of the Center or his or her appointee.
5. The PhD Comprehensive consists of two parts: a twelve-hour written examination, divided into two parts: six hours on ancient and medieval philosophy, six hours on early modern, late modern, and recent Thomistic materials. The candidate will take the written examination on two or three different days within two weeks of each other.
6. Questions will be solicited from all faculty in the Center for the written examination. At least two faculty members will grade each question. In consultation with a senior member of the Center, the Director will average the grades on the written test. Students must pass the written test with a minimum grade of “B” to proceed to the oral examination. If failed, the written exam may be retaken once, but must be retaken within one year of the date of the original exam.
7. The oral examination lasts one hour and must be taken within two weeks of the final part of the written examination. The oral examination is set by three faculty examiners chosen by the Director. The three examiners determine the grade for the oral exam. If the candidate passes the oral with a minimum grade of “B”, the grades on the written and oral portions are compared and the overall grade is determined by vote. If a student fails the oral examination she/he must retake it within one year.

Degree Plan Ph.D. in Philosophy