Graduate Program in Philosophy
Our department offers graduate courses leading to a master's degree in philosophy. We not only serve students who have an undergraduate major in philosophy, but also those whose philosophical interests developed late and who need to fill in gaps in
their background.
The department is small enough to permit extensive student-faculty interaction while diverse enough to provide a broad, philosophical education. The interests of the faculty include (but are not limited to) the history of philosophy, metaphysics,
epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, philosophy of law, and philosophy of religion.
The Philosophy Forum, guest lecturers in philosophy, as well as several
regional conferences provide additional opportunities for philosophical interaction.
We offer both a non-thesis and thesis degree. The non-thesis degree is designed for students who want advanced training in philosophy but who will go on to law school or some other professional career. The thesis option is recommended for students
who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy or some other academic discipline.
Students needing financial assistance may apply for graduate assistantships and fellowships. Other sources of support include university employment, such as serving as residence hall counselors or supervisors.
Read what one student said about our
program.
What Are the Admissions Requirements?
Normally, a philosophy major or at least 18 hours of undergraduate philosophy courses are a prerequisite to doing graduate work in our department. However, we can work out a special program for students whose interest in philosophy developed late and
who do not have the minimum number of hours. The graduate advisor will work with the student to determine what courses are necessary to provide an adequate background for doing graduate work. In addition to the minimum number of hours, the Graduate
School requires the following documents:
- A completed and signed form of application.
- An official GRE score (verbal and quantitative). TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English.
- Official transcripts from the institution conferring the baccalaureate degree and from all colleges and universities subsequently attended.
What Are the Degree Requirements?
The thesis option requires 24 semester hours of course work and 6 semester hours of thesis work, culminating in a defense of the thesis before the faculty. The non-thesis option requires 36 semester hours of course work. During the third or fourth
semester of graduate work, the non-thesis candidate will submit a paper to the graduate faculty which will be the basis of an oral presentation and discussion. The master's degree will normally take three or four regular semesters to complete. Only a mi
nimal
amount of work may be completed in the summers.
What Can I Do with a Master's Degree in Philosophy?
Our M.A. degree can be used as a steppingstone to a wide variety of
programs and careers. Our undergraduate majors and graduate students have
been admitted to Ph.D. programs
in philosophy at Oxford University, Washington University, University of
Massachusetts,
Indiana, Tulane, Marquette, Colorado, Connecticut, Arkansas, Georgia,
Syracuse, Florida State, Kansas, Nebraska, University of California-San Diego,
University of Paris-Sorbonne, Utah, Kentucky, Iowa, and Bowling Green State
University.
Students who have entered law school report that the M.A. degree provided them with an
excellent foundation for legal studies. Some graduates have gone on to either study theology or prepare for the ministry at denominational
seminaries or schools such as the Harvard Divinity School. Finally, students have done
graduate work in philosophy to strengthen their intellectual skills before entering into
business or professional careers.
How Do I Apply to Your Graduate Program?
You may obtain an application by clicking on the following link: Graduate
School Admissions
If you have further inquiries about the graduate program in philosophy
you
may
contact:
Dr. Robert Westmoreland, Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Philosophy and Religion
University of Mississippi
University, MS 38677-1848
Phone: (662) 915-7020
Fax: (662) 915-5654
E-mail: prrbw@olemiss.edu
- Deadlines for applications for admission:
- Summer and Fall enrollment--April 1
Spring enrollment--October 1
- Late applications will be considered, but admission and/or financial assistance cannot be guaranteed.
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