IX. Graduate Programs
Philosophy
MA Program
The Philosophy Department includes a wide range of expertise which allows students accepted into the MA program to both extend their philosophical background at the graduate level and to concentrate their research project in any of a number of different areas such as the history of philosophy, ethics, social and political philosophy, feminist philosophy, philosophy of religion, epistemology, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophy of science. There is also a diversity of approaches within the department. There is faculty expertise in Continental, analytic, and other philosophical traditions and approaches. It is primarily a research degree and the program will involve either an MA thesis or the smaller Guided Research Project (together with a few more courses than with the thesis option.
Admission Requirements
A four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Normally this will include at least a major in philosophy, although the program is also open to students who may not have had a substantial number of philosophy undergraduate courses but who provide evidence of philosophical ability. In all cases, in order to be considered for admission to the MA program, the department requires that the average grade over the last 10.00 credits of studies (i.e., a normal two years of full-time studies on the University of Guelph system) be at least 75%. All applicants are required to submit a sample of writing. Further details can be found on the Philosophy Department website.
Degree Requirements
All students must take the MA Research Seminar (PHIL*6950) and complete either a thesis of between 20,000 and 30,000 words or a research project of between 10,000 and 15,000 words. Candidates by thesis must take at least three semester-long courses plus the two-semester Research Seminar. Candidates by research project must take at least five semester-long courses plus the two-semester Research Seminar plus the Guided Research Project (PHIL*6990). Candidates with a degree other than philosophy will be assigned courses in accordance with their needs and background up to a maximum of six additional semester courses. There are also several prerequisite courses required for the MA. See http://www.uoguelph.ca/philosophy for details.
Regardless of the option chosen, the MA in Philosophy at Guelph is a research degree, in which the responsibility for study begins to shift from the faculty to the student. Students in both streams are expected to develop their own topic for research. The Philosophy MA can normally be completed in 4 semesters, whichever stream is chosen.