Master of Arts Degree
The Department of Philosophy offers a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree in Philosophy. The program aims at the acquisition of a broad background in philosophy. It is designed for those preparing for further graduate study or community college teaching, and for self-enrichment. Although the department is analytically oriented, it encourages work in other areas, for example Asian philosophy, feminist philosophy, and interaction between European and Anglo-American thought.
The program consists of a minimum of 45 quarter units of approved course work and culminates with either a set of comprehensive examinations or a thesis. At least 50% of the units in the M.A. program must be at the 500-level; 500-level course work must include seminars in at least three of four breadth areas. Incoming students should consult with a graduate advisor as soon as they are admitted, to discuss course selection, choice of culminating project (comps or thesis), and additional graduation requirements. Here is a useful guide for the advisement process: M.A. Advisement "Milestones".
For general information on Graduate Programs, please consult the University Catalog. Further information is available on comprehensive exams and thesis options here:
The Department also offers a Certificate Program in Teaching Critical Thinking. This program provides specialized training for developing and teaching courses in critical thinking as well as methods for enhancing critical thinking skills in courses devoted to other subjects. The Certificate Program may be taken concurrently with the Master's program or independently of it. Students who intend to teach at either the college or secondary school level may be interested in this program.
The Department includes faculty members with diverse backgrounds and interests actively working in a wide range of philosophical specialties. Classes and seminars are small with a friendly, informal atmosphere that facilitates student-faculty interaction. Philosophy students edit a journal, Philosophy in Practice, which publishes student essays.
- Recent Student Placement into Ph.D. Programs and Law Schools
Admission Requirements and Procedures
In addition to the University requirements for admissions, the philosophy department requires a 2.75 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units, official transcripts, and a writing sample (either a statement of purpose or a philosophy paper). Applicants must possess a baccalaureate in philosophy or a baccalaureate with a major in a field other than philosophy supplemented by the equivalent of a minor in philosophy. Students who have not completed the equivalent of a minor in philosophy (32 quarter units) can still be admitted to the program but must take additional coursework once they have matriculated. (This coursework must be arranged in consultation with the philosophy department's Director of Graduate Studies to ensure that it will, together with courses taken prior to admission, be equivalent to the minor.) Under exceptional circumstances, special admission is available for students whose grade point average does not meet the 2.75 GPA standard. While the program maintains modest admission standards, students who succeed in the program usually have done strong undergraduate work in philosophy or related fields.
All applicants must complete the online application. A link to the application and other information may be found on http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/. International applicants should check this website for information and deadlines that pertain only to them. United States citizens or permanent residents may apply for admission for any of the four quarters. The usual deadlines for domestic applications for admissions are: Fall Quarter: June 15; Winter Quarter: October 1; Spring Quarter: February 1; Summer Quarter: April 1. In addition to the materials required by the university, the philosophy department requires transcripts and a writing sample. A philosophy paper is preferred as the writing sample, but a statement of interest and purpose is also acceptable. We do not require GRE scores or letters of recommendation.
For further information, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Philosophy, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8114. Telephone: (323) 343-4180. Email: mbalagu@calstatela.edu.
Financial Aid/Assistantships
Several forms of grants, scholarships and loans are available from the University. Students wishing more information should contact the Financial Aid Office. The Department has a few graduate assistantships for which graduate students in good standing are eligible. In addition, internships with nearby community colleges may be available. Information about assistantships is available from the Director of Graduate Studies.
Expected Learning Outcomes for the M.A. Program
Knowledge and ability outcomes for students in the M.A. program are similar in kind to those for students in the undergraduate program. However, graduate students are expected to acquire:
- Deeper knowledge of philosophical texts and methods of inquiry.
- More advanced knowledge of and facility in logic.
- The ability to explain philosophical ideas at an appropriate level for students in introductory philosophy courses.
- The skills and knowledge necessary to complete a thesis or comprehensive examinations.