500X330_StThomasAquinas​​Philosophy on the level of natural reason, like theology on the level of supernatural faith, pursues answers to the deepest questions concerning ultimate reality and the meaning of life.

As St. Thomas Aquinas argued, faith and reason cannot ultimately be in conflict; any apparent conflict is the result of faulty understanding on one side or the other.

While all major philosophers are studied at the University of St. Thomas, the philosophy of St. Thomas provides the unifying vision.

Applicants are admitted to the Center’s MA program in philosophy if the Admissions Committee judges that they will be able to carry out the program successfully. The Admissions Committee consists of the Director of the Center and all Center faculty members.

Requirements for admission are as follows:

  1. Official transcript of an earned bachelor’s degree, preferably with an undergraduate major in philosophy or in a related liberal arts field. Students in their senior undergraduate year must furnish this evidence as soon as possible after they complete their degree requirements.
  2. At least 18 hours of undergraduate philosophy in courses that would prepare the student for the program at the Center for Thomistic Studies. A maximum of 12 hours of graduate work in philosophy may be accepted as transfer credit towards the M.A. degree at the discretion of the Director.
  3. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  4. Official transcripts of all academic work after high school.
  5. A record of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination.
  6. Letters of recommendation from three professional educators qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic background and scholastic ability.
  7. A writing sample, preferably an essay from a course in philosophy or a related liberal arts field. Students who have written an MA thesis in a related liberal arts field must submit their MA thesis.

Degree Plan BA 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. Students may apply in their junior year.

Requirements for admission are as follows:

  1. At least 18 hours of undergraduate Philosophy.
  2. An undergraduate grade point average in philosophy of at least 3.5 and 3.3 overall GPA.
  3. Successful completion of CLASS 1331- 1332 (Latin) or the equivalent.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from members of the UST philosophy faculty.
  5. GREs are not required.

degree plan BA/MA in Philosophy

Carousel content with 1 slides.

Dr. Hittinger Honored
Dr. Hittinger Honored
Dr. Hittinger Honored

Dr. John Hittinger, professor of philosophy, received a letter signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, naming him an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas in May.
4th HIGHEST MEDIAN EARINGS For philosophy majors Source: Educational Testing Service 4th HIGHEST MEDIAN EARINGS For philosophy majors Source: Educational Testing Service
4th
Highest Median Earnings

FOR PHILOSOPHY MAJORS

Source: Educational Testing Service

#1 Highest Salary Growth TRAJECTORY FROM ENTRY TO MID-CAREER Source: Educational Testing Service #1 Highest Salary Growth TRAJECTORY FROM ENTRY TO MID-CAREER Source: Educational Testing Service
#1
Highest Salary Growth

TRAJECTORY FROM ENTRY TO MID-CAREER

Source: Educational Testing Service

$81,200 Annual Median Salary FOR UNDERGRADUATE PHILOSOPHY DEGREE GRADUATES Source: Educational Testing Service $81,200 Annual Median Salary FOR UNDERGRADUATE PHILOSOPHY DEGREE GRADUATES Source: Educational Testing Service
$81,200
Annual Median Salary

FOR UNDERGRADUATE PHILOSOPHY DEGREE GRADUATES

Source: Educational Testing Service
The Next Level of Philosophy

500X330_NextLevelA degree in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas will give you something you won’t get from another university, our course offerings in philosophy are designed to promote these aims of a liberal education:

  1. To expand the mind through vital contact with many of the greatest and most influential thinkers of all time
  2. To recognize and evaluate the underlying assumptions that govern contemporary opinion and to consider alternatives
  3. To develop a capacity and love for disciplined and creative thinking about complex matters
  4. To understand connections among all the parts of an education and to prepare for graduate study in philosophy, theology, law and other disciplines as a basis for a variety of careers

Assessment in large part will be done in connection with the Senior Seminar, which is required of all majors.
Graduate Philosophy Programs

The Center for Thomistic Studies is the only graduate philosophy program in the United States uniquely focused on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the pursuit of a living Thomism, the Center’s programs stress both historical understanding of Aquinas’s texts and a rigorous rethinking of his thirteenth-century wisdom in the light of twenty-first century problems and realities.

Please review the Master of Arts in Philosophy and Ph.D. in Philosophy programs to participate in one or both of our exceptional graduate programs.

learn more about graduate philosophy programs
Next stepsNext steps