Applied Philosophy (MA)

Master of Arts in Applied Philosophy

Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (GA)
Department: Philosophy
Academic Plan Code(s): APHIMA, APHIMA HCE, APHIMA PAP

Program Information

The Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Philosophy offers two options for graduate training in Applied Philosophy.

1. The Concentration in Health Care Ethics is designed for diverse graduate, pre-professional, and professional students to develop their skills as highly engaged citizens, leaders, and scholars. Building on six core bioethics (BETH) courses, the Health Care Ethics track offers students a significant degree of flexibility through electives in other departments and schools to deepen their personal areas of interest and broaden their expertise beyond their core knowledge base. The degree prepares graduates to bring a more educated, nuanced and thoughtful approach to their work in clinical or hospital settings, health law or policy development or academic research and teaching as well as many other overlapping possibilities.

Graduates of this concentration will possess a mastery of 1) ethical theory, 2) the application of theory to practice, and 3) the clinical case studies that guide research, policy, and legal deliberation with respect to our medical and health care practices. Graduates will be trained for positions in ethical leadership and will be "reflexively ethical" in order to establish standards that ramify throughout the organizations into which they are hired.

2. The Concentration in Practical & Applied Philosophy trains graduate, pre-professional, and professional students who have some preparation in Philosophy in the advanced use of philosophical and interdisciplinary methods to enhance their research and their career. Building on a Proseminar and four Applied Philosophy courses, students then pursue electives in their area(s) of greatest interest. Students also complete fieldwork or an internship to complement their studies and put them into practice, as well as an applied research project designed based on their interests.

Graduates of this concentration will have a deep understanding of the issues and methods of applied philosophy, and advanced skills in using critical thinking to improve systems and processes in whatever field they pursue. The degree will prepare them for continued graduate or professional training, and/or for leadership roles in their workplace.

Degree Summary

Admission Requirements

All applicants must submit to the Graduate Admissions Office:

• A graduate application with application fee
• TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores, if an international student
• Two recent letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant’s academic work or lifelong learning, which speak to applicant's ability to complete graduate level education. Discursive letters from previous professors preferred.
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Personal statement, which should address why you have decided to pursue a MA in Applied Philosophy. The personal statement should be between 2-4 double spaced pages (500-1000 words).
• Writing sample. The writing sample should be a substantial, polished, persuasive paper that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to do high-level undergraduate research. Writing sample requirements are waived for applicants who have already been accepted into a medical fellowship or PhD program.

Health Care Ethics Track Requirements

Practical and Applied Philosophy Track Requirements