Master of Arts [M.A] Philosophy
The master’s program is available to those with less academic preparation in the discipline or who want a terminal master’s degree. Those who earn the master’s degree can then apply for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program. In both programs there are broad distribution requirements to provide candidates with a solid grounding in most areas within the discipline. Students may specialize in any of the three areas of concentration in which the department has developed special research and teaching strengths - health care and philosophy or social and political thought (which includes options in feminism, critical theory, African American philosophy, democratic theory, ethics and development), and environmental philosophy. Work in the traditional areas of philosophy such as metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of logic and language, philosophy of science, ethics, the history of philosophy, and continental philosophy, is possible as well.
The Department of Philosophy encourages doctoral students with interests in such areas as the biological sciences, health care, feminist studies, ancient studies, critical theory, cognitive science, and linguistics, to take a limited number of courses outside the department as part of their Doctor of Philosophy program. The department also provides opportunities for course work for graduate students in other departments.
The department’s collective practice of philosophy is producing a union of the disciplinary mainstream, practical engagement of philosophy and practice-driven theory. The Philosophy department at Michigan State is positioned at the intersection of the primary social and scientific issues of the early 21st century: health, biotechnology, environment, development, democracy, the distribution of knowledge and power, and struggles against systematic forms of oppression and exploitation.
Students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in the Department of Philosophy may elect an Interdepartmental Specialization in Cognitive Science. For additional information, refer to the statement onInterdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Cognitive Science in the College of Social Science section of this catalog. For additional information, contact the Department of Philosophy.
Tution & Application Fees
| Year | Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Tuition Fees | $29904 | $29904 |
| Books and supply | $1640 | $1640 |
| Compulsory Fees | $144 | $144 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $1286 | $1286 |
| Total Fees | $32974 | $32974 |
Examinations
| Exam Type | Exam Name | Score | Out of Score | Exam Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System | 6.5 | 9 | 3 |
| TOEFL | Test of English as a Foreign Language | 79 | 120 | 3 |
| PTE | Pearson Test of English | 59 | 90 | 3 |
| GRE | Graduate Record Examination | 298 | 340 | 2 |
Academic Eligibility:
- Students must complete a 4 years bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
- Students who meet the above degree requirement with a strong technical background in engineering, physics, or a comparable science program are welcome to apply.
- The average cumulative high school GPA of students admitted to Stanford is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Standardized test scores – GMAT or GRE
Indian Student Eligibility:
Indian students are eligible to apply if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Completed a 4-year UG degree with first class in a relevant field from a recognized institution
Note: A three-year bachelor’s degree in any subject is not considered sufficient for graduate study at Stanford. A two-year master’s degree following the three-year bachelor’s degree from India is required.
Along with the minimum eligibility requirements, international students hailing from non-English speaking countries need to prove English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL/any equivalent test to get admission to this program.