Masters Degree in Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy at Duquesne University was one of the first graduate programs in the United States to emphasize the concentrated study of phenomenology and contemporary Continental philosophy. The current program continues the commitment to this distinct orientation. We specialize in contemporary French and German philosophy.
We emphasize, in addition, a thorough grounding in the history of philosophy. The graduate faculty includes outstanding scholars in ancient, medieval, and modern philosophy. Courses are regularly offered in figures such as: Husserl, Heidegger, de Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, Sartre, Adorno, Gadamer, Derrida, Levinas, Habermas, and Foucault, as well as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Hegel and Nietzsche.
The M.A. Program prepares students for further graduate study in philosophy, as well as in other areas. It is available to all students who have a serious interest in philosophy beyond the B.A.
Requirements for Admission to the M.A.:
- Bachelor's degree in philosophy, or the equivalent, from an accredited college or university. Students must submit 2 official transcripts of academic work from each institution attended.
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All application materials must be sent to:
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Graduate Office
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
- GRE scores.
- At least three letters of recommendation.
- A statement of intent.
- It is helpful if entering students have reading knowledge of at least one of the following: French, German, Greek, or Latin.
- Two copies of the application
- Complete applications must be received by April 15 for students entering the following fall semester.
- Please see Graduate School Policies and Programs for additional information; this is particularly important for international students.
Requirements for Completion of the M.A.:
- A minimum of 30 graduate credit hours, which must include one 3 credit course in each of the four historical areas: ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary. 6 of the 30 graduate credit hours may be used to write a thesis.
- Language Requirement. Demonstrated reading knowledge of one of the following languages: Greek, Latin, German, or French. Normally, one of the languages must be German or French. This requirement should be met during the first two years of coursework.
- Statute of Limitations: All work leading to a Master's degree shall be completed within six years after matriculation.
- Transferred Graduate Credit: With the approval of the Chair of the Department, graduate work done at other accredited institutions may be offered in partial fulfillment of course requirements, provided the grade is not lower than a B. After a reasonable amout of time has elapsed to observe the student's work at Duquesne, a maximum of six credits may be accepted towards the M.A. Degree.
Application Forms and Requirements:
1. Please fill out and submit the appropriate free online application form:
U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) click here to complete the free domestic on-line application form.
International applicants who are NOT U.S. citizens or permanent residents (Green Card holders) click here to complete the free international on-line application form.
There is no fee to apply on line.
2. Please download the following form, fill it out, and mail to the address on the bottom of the form:
Philosophy Graduate Admission Application Form.3. Please download three copies of the following letter of recommendation form and send to your references:
Letter of Recommendation Form.
4. Please send to the Philosophy Department a letter of intent, expressing why you want to pursue graduate studies in philosophy at Duquesne, your GRE scores [school code (2196), department code (2801)], two official copies of all transcripts, and a writing sample of no more than 3000 words. Send to: McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, Graduate Office, Duquesne University 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282
- Applications for the Ph.D. must be received by February 1.
- Applications for the MA must be received by November 15th for Spring admission and April 15th for Fall Admission.
- Phone interviews of select candidates may be conducted.
- Please see Graduate School Policies and Programs for additional information; this is particularly important for international students.
