Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Philosophy, M.A.


College of Arts and Sciences  
Department: Philosophy 
 
Concentrations:
  • Philosophy and Religion

 


The Philosophy program at the University of South Florida aims to produce teachers and scholars with a deep understanding of philosophy and a broad knowledge of its history. We welcome a diversity of approaches to the study of philosophy, including analytic, continental, historical, literary, and multicultural. Above all, we seek to prepare our students to make contributions in their areas of expertise and to become responsible members of the philosophical community.

Major Research Areas:
Aesthetics
Analytic Philosophy
Ancient Greek Philosophy
Continental Philosophy
Epistemology
Ethics & Contemporary Moral Philosophy
Feminist Philosophy
Medieval Philosophy
Modern Philosophy
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy of Science
Social & Political Philosophy
19th and 20th Century Philosophy

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

  • three (3) letters of recommendation
  • A ten (10) page philosophy writing sample
  • Brief statement of the Applicant’s Philosophical Interests
  • GRE scores

Curriculum Requirements


Total Minimum hours:  30 Credit hours

  • Core – 6 Credit Hours
  • General Course Requirements or Concentration– 15 Credit Hours minimum
  • Additional Electives – 6 Credit Hours minimum
  • Thesis – 3 Credit Hours

 

Core Requirements (6 Credit Hours)


General Course Requirements or Concentration (15 Credit Hours)


Students must select either the General Course Requirements option or the Philosophy and Religion Concentration Option.

General Course Requirements Option


Philosophy and Religion Concentration


Language Competency


Students should develop reading knowledge of at least one language other than English relevant to their philosophical work.  The level of competence required is to be determined by consultation with thesis advisor (if applicable) and the Graduate Director. 

Comprehensive Examination


Students complete a culminating project of either a Thesis OR a comprehensive examination on a required list of readings constructed by the candidate and a committee of examiners. For thesis students, the thesis defense serves in lieu of the comprehensive exam.  Students completing the MA requirements while enrolled in the Ph.D. program may instead submit a portfolio of three seminar papers, to be evaluated by a committee of at least three members of the Philosophy graduate faculty.

Electives (6 Credit Hours)


May include Independent Study, Graduate Teaching Methods, language coursework, additional thesis work, or additional graduate coursework as approved by the Graduate Director.

Thesis (3 Credit Hours)