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

About This Program

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. Read more...

Contact Information

• Gina Zavota | gzavota@kent.edu |
  330-672-0266

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

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

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes 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.}

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

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 to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 102 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 73 PTE score
  • Minimum 130 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority and funding deadlines: February 1
    All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission and be considered for an assistantship or any other funded position.
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students selecting thesis or research as their culminating requirement will take PHIL 60191 twice, in their second and third semesters in the program. Students not selecting thesis or research will take PHIL 60191 three times, in their second, third and fourth semesters, as well as an additional PHIL elective and a paper.

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.

• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

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.

Full Description

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

Most graduates go on to pursue doctoral degrees in philosophy, while others are seeking a terminal master's degree in philosophy to supplement and enhance their careers or their work in other disciplines.

The graduate program stresses both breadth and depth and offers students the option of a thesis or a non-thesis research project as a culminating experience.