Master's in Philosophy

Accomplished philosophers are developed here

The philosophy master's program in the history of philosophy is based on the history of philosophy, ancient through contemporary, as the necessary experience for a mind critically able to face contemporary philosophical issues.

The master's program in social and applied philosophy provides rigorous philosophical training for individuals who are interested in working in a variety of non-academic contexts or for pursuing further graduate studies.

 

30

MA Credit Hours

2

Years to Complete

FP

Full-time, Part-time Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graduate education in the humanities is affordable

The Graduate School is excited to offer all students in humanities graduate programs a $500 per credit hour rate. Take advantage of this nearly 60-percent tuition reduction in the following master of arts programs: EnglishHistoryTheology and Philosophy. This competitive rate reflects Marquette’s commitment to the humanities, which are at the heart of our Catholic, Jesuit tradition.

 

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Specializations

Choose one of two specializations in our the master of arts program, social applied philosophy and history of philosophy.

Social Applied Philosophy

  • Study in a program designed for students with academic or non-academic career interests or professional development.
  • Develop critical thinking, argumentation, analysis and writing skills for scholarship or employment in ethics and/or social justice areas.
  • Foster interdisciplinary interests (at least 2 cognate courses in other disciplines required) and community engaged research.
  • Consider pursuing your MA as a Trinity Fellow.

History of Philosophy

  • Obtain one of few MAs in the history of philosophy in the U.S.
  • Study a unique curriculum that integrates strong grounding in history with current debates in ethics, social philosophy, philosophy of mind, aesthetics, etc.
  • Benefit from good placement record into funded PhD programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

Career Opportunities

While university and college careers in teaching and research are the traditional paths for PhD students, there are a wide range of non-academic careers for both PhD and MA students.  For more information check out:

Our M.A students have been successful in obtaining non-academic positions in a variety of careers including:

  • Librarian
  • Chief of Research and Development (Leadership Academy)
  • Paralegal
  • Chief of Staff (City Year Milwaukee)
  • Client Side Developer (Flextrade)
  • Software Developer (Digital Measures)
  • Ethics and Compliance Manager (Oshkosh Corporation)
  • Senior Content Marketing Manager (Sojern)

Earn a Bachelors and Master's in Philosophy in Five Years 

The Master of Arts in Philosophy can be completed in two years with our Accelerated Degree Program. Marquette Philosophy majors can complete the MA as part of the five-year advanced BA/MA program. Partial tuition support is available each year for 2-3 strong competitive applicants.

10 Advantages Marquette Graduate School Offers

1. A firm grounding in the history of philosophy and the history and theory of ethics.

2. Graduate-level courses taught by highly qualified professionals in a range of academic disciplines.

3. A customized course of study.

4. Flexibility to move through the specialization on a full- or part-time basis.

5. Evening and late afternoon classes.

6. A stepping stone for possible further study leading to a PhD in Social and Applied Philosophy.

7. The Catholic, Jesuit tradition of Marquette.

8. One of the five largest philosophy faculties in the United States.

9. A unique MA Specialization in Social and Applied Philosophy in the Great Lakes area.

10. The "hands-on" experience of an internship.


Take the next step towards your future

Learn more about Marquette's philosophy graduate program.


 

  • Request Information
  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Details
  • Application Deadline
  • Aid & Fellowships

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

History of Philosophy specialization: Applicants are expected to have 18 semester hours of undergraduate philosophy course work, six hours of which should be in survey courses.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

2Upon admission, an official course-by-course transcript/academic record evaluation must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

 

Students typically begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply any time before the following dates:

  • Fall term admissions- August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
  • Spring term admissions- December 15 (October 1 for international applicants)

Financial Aid

Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.

Trinity Fellows Program

Students interested in the Philosophy graduate programs may want to consider applying for the Trinity Fellows Program as well. Trinity Fellows is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month study/ work program while earning a master's degree. Those who have completed a full-time service program (minimum 10 months), and/or have worked for 2+ years in the nonprofit sector are eligible to apply. Details and instructions to apply are found on the Trinity Fellows website.