The terminal MA in Philosophy at Loyola integrates a strong grounding in the history of philosophy with current debates in social and political philosophy, ethics, and contemporary philosophy. Our department is distinguished by its exceptional breadth in the history of philosophy with internationally recognized faculty working in ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy, Islamic philosophy, and medieval, modern and 19th and 20th century European philosophy. Students who complete the terminal MA can therefore expect to develop a strong foundation in the core areas of philosophy and the ability to pursue specialized research in a range of areas at the doctoral level. Loyola’s terminal MA also lays an excellent intellectual foundation for those who intend to pursue graduate work outside of philosophy in such fields as history, theology, and English, as well as those interested in pursuing this degree for personal enrichment.
Program Highlights
- First year proseminar to prepare students for coursework in graduate school
- Professional development and placement workshops that prepare students to present and publish their original research and apply for doctoral programs in philosophy and other fields
- Generalist training in the history of philosophy and an emphasis on philosophical pluralism that can prepare students for specialized research at the doctoral level
- Opportunity to attend seminars, conferences, and lectures in the Chicago-area
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Philosophy requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Entering MA students must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. They should have a solid background in philosophy (ordinarily an undergraduate minor or its equivalent).
Specific courses may not be offered every semester and course offerings are subject to change.
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| Plato | |
| Aristotle | |
| Ancient Philosophy | |
| Augustine | |
| Aquinas | |
| Medieval Philosophy | |
| Late Medieval Philosophy | |
| Descartes | |
| Classical Rationalism | |
| Classical Empiricism | |
| Kant | |
| 17th-18th Century Philosophy | |
| Nietzsche | |
| Husserl | |
| Heidegger | |
| Phenomenology/Existentialism | |
| Hermeneutics & Critical Theory | |
| Contemporary French Philosophy | |
| Contemporary German Philosophy | |
| Topics in Continental Philosophy | |
| Anglo-American Philosophy | |
| Anglo-American Epistemology | |
| Studies in Logic | |
| Issues in Cognitive Science | |
Total Hours | 30 |
Note: Courses may fulfill different distribution requirements on an ad hoc basis, depending on course content. To confirm, please consult Graduate Program Director.
Other Philosophy graduate level courses may be used in the above requirements. Students should consult with the Graduate Program Director if a course of interest is not shown in the above curriculum grid. For a full list of Philosophy graduate level courses, click here.
Language Requirement
There is no language requirement or other research tool requirement for the M.A. degree in the Philosophy Department.
Examination
Toward the end of the course of studies, students pursuing the MA in Philosophy must pass an oral examination before a committee of at least three faculty members on a research paper they have written. The focus of the examination is on the argument and analysis of the paper, as well as on the background thought that the argument and analysis presuppose.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MA in Philosophy, students will have:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the history of philosophy
- Demonstrate knowledge of perennial and contemporary issues in philosophy
- Demonstrate expertise in a particular area of philosophy
- Identify hidden presuppositions of everyday beliefs
- Articulate and evaluate philosophical arguments
- Consider alternative kinds of philosophical argumentation
- Apply philosophical categories, methods and insights to other areas of human interest, experience, or cognitive inquiry
- Produced and disseminated scholarship and be able to frame, research, complete and defend the MA paper
- Work with others for the sake of common purposes
- Foster Jesuit ideals, including truth and justice
- Enhance the pleasures of work in common