College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy
www.kent.edu/philosophy

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Gina Zavota | gzavota@kent.edu | 330-672-0266
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Fully Offered

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Admission Terms

• Fall
• Spring

Examples of Possible Careers*

Additional Careers

• Bioethicist
• Business/Management Positions
• Communication Specialists

_*Note

^{Source of occupation titles and labor data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Description

The Master of Arts degree in Philosophy offers intensive, in-depth study of philosophy, with particular attention to the diversity of philosophical methods, perspectives and traditions, as well as their relation to other disciplines.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Writing sample
• Goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 Duolingo English test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

¹

Effective for fall 2023 admission, English proficiency test scores will be the following:

• Minimum 610 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
• Minimum 102 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
• Minimum 86 MELAB score
• Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
• Minimum 73 PTE score
• Minimum 130 Duolingo English Test score

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of philosophy from the classical period to the present day, of the various fields of philosophical inquiry and of central philosophical questions, both historical and contemporary.
2. Articulate and defend their positions through philosophical argumentation in both written and oral form.
3. Successfully navigate the professional academic world and prepare strong applications to doctoral programs, if they choose to continue their studies after completion of the master's degree.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students take PHIL 60191 in their second and third semesters in the program.

²

Beyond required and elective coursework, students are required to participate in PHIL 69101 for each semester in residence. Maximum 6 credit hours of the course may be counted toward the degree requirements. The graduate coordinator, in consultation with the graduate faculty, will consider various options for satisfying the graduate proseminar requirement where circumstances dictate.

³

One graduate course in a discipline outside of philosophy may be taken with departmental approval.

⁴

Proposals for a culminating experience can be made only after a student has met the following requirements: completion of (or present good standing in) one section each of PHIL 51038 and PHIL 60191, as well as 6 credit hours of elective course work.

Graduation Requirements

Students who lack background preparation in a specific area will be required to take an undergraduate course and earn a minimum B grade in that course as a prerequisite to further graduate study. The student's advisory group, in consultation with the graduate coordinator, will determine which course prerequisites are needed.