Graduate Programs

Master of Arts in Philosophy

Our MA program consists of six (3 credit hour) courses and a thesis. The program also includes training in teaching philosophy. Students are expected to complete the program within 12 months and to work full time at their studies, although a part-time option is also available.

The MA program in Philosophy provides the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who (collectively) have expertise in a range of areas in the discipline including:

• Ethics
• Philosophy of law
• Social and Political philosophy
• Epistemology
• Aesthetics
• Philosophy of Education
• Some periods in the history of philosophy
• Philosophy of science

The program is well-suited for students seeking additional training in philosophy for a variety of reasons, including preparation for further study in Philosophy at the doctoral level; intellectual and professional development in preparation for other careers such as law, journalism, or politics; and a deeper understanding of philosophical topics for its own sake.

All questions and inquiries about the program should be directed to the Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Emma McClure.

Admission Requirements

The MA in Philosophy follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar. In addition:

1. Applicants are normally expected to possess a BA Honours in Philosophy, or cognate disciplines.
2. In addition to all pertinent application materials required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, applicants are asked to submit two samples of written work (8-10 pages each), and a statement of philosophical interests.
3. The application deadline is March 15^th for Canadian students who are not applying for SSHRC funding. International students and students applying for SSHRC funding must apply to the program by February 1st.
4. The Philosophy Graduate Studies Committee will review applicants’ files and make recommendations regarding admission to the program.  The Committee must be satisfied that there is a member of the Department able and willing to act as a thesis supervisor. We advise that potential applicants review the list of faculty and their areas of expertise before applying.    

Financial Support

Applicants are encouraged to apply for external funding (e.g., SSHRC Masters Scholarships), however, competitive internal funding is also available. All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding.

To Apply

Submit applications to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) using the online portal.

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. Robert Ansell: Analytic Philosophy; Metaphysics; Philosophy of Mind; Political Philosophy

Dr. Todd Calder: Ethics; Social Philosophy

Dr. Shelagh Crooks: Argumentation Theory; Epistemology; Metaphysics

Dr. Scott Edgar: Early Modern Philosophy; Kant; Nineteenth-Century Philosophy

Dr. Lisa Gannett: Philosophy of Science; History and Philosophy of Biology; Race, Gender, and Science; Bioethics

Dr. John MacKinnon: Aesthetics; Legal Theory (Jurisprudence)

Dr. Mark Mercer: Ancient Philosophy; Epistemology; Meta-Ethics; Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Mind

Dr. Emma McClure: Feminism, Critical Race Theory, Ethics, and Philosophy of Law.