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Department of Philosophy   Northern Illinois University

Requirements for the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy

The program leading to the M.A. in philosophy is designed to take two years. Students are required to complete 30 semester hours of graduate coursework, at least 24 of which must be in philosophy. As part of these hours, students are required to complete PHIL 405, Intermediate Logic, with a grade of B or better. For students electing to write a thesis, these hours will include 6 semester hours of PHIL 599, Thesis. All courses are to be chosen with the approval of the graduate advisor.

In addition to the required course work, students must pass a three-part comprehensive examination that certifies their competence in ethics, the history of philosophy, and contemporary metaphysics and epistemology. Such competence is an essential basis for further work in philosophy, and the demonstration of competence has proved valuable in gaining admission to selective Ph.D. programs. Each student is allowed three opportunities to pass each section of the comprehensive examination.

For Additional Information:
Telephone (815) 753-0333
Email the Graduate Advisor