Philosophy, MA

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
• 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. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the Graduate Coordinator, to discuss possible thesis topics prior to applying to the program. 

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 15th.  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.      

Financial Support

Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships funding such as the Canadian Graduate Scholarships Program.

Note: Students not registered in any course work but working on their Program/Thesis must register in Program Continuation (Prog Registration/Continuation (FGSR 9000)) for every semester (including summer) in which they are in their graduate program.

See the FGSR Program Requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar and additionally:

1. Students take a total of eighteen (18) credit hours at the 6000-level, and write a thesis Master's Thesis PHIL (PHIL 6697).  Typically graduate students will attend undergraduate classes, and in all cases they will follow an independent syllabus agreed on between the Graduate Program Coordinator, the course instructor, and the student.
2. Before commencing thesis work, students are appointed a thesis supervisor by the Graduate Program Coordinator in consultation with the student and relevant faculty members.  The thesis must exhibit an understanding of the relevant literature, an ability to construct cogent arguments, and an ability to make cogent criticisms of positions and arguments.
3. Completed theses must be approved by the thesis supervisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator before copies are distributed to the Examining Committee. As per Academic Regulation 16 (d), Examining Committees are comprised of the thesis supervisor, an examiner who may have been previously involved in the supervision of the student’s thesis research, and an “external” examiner who has not been previously involved in the supervision of the student’s thesis research. To fulfill the thesis requirement, theses must be deemed acceptable by the Examining Committee, meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research formatting requirements, and be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Office (see Academic Regulation 17 for further details).