Philosophy: Philosophy MA Concentration: Philosophy of Science

The Philosophy of Science concentration will provide students with a background in general philosophy of science and with specific topics in philosophy of science. Students will be prepared for academic work at the PhD level in philosophy and for non-academic career tracks that require strong critical thinking skills, as well as an understanding of science and its role in knowledge and society.

MA Program; Concentration: Philosophy of Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Philosophy's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Admission requires an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Applicants must have a strong interest in:

    • Philosophy (evidenced in a strong writing sample, personal statement, and letters of reference).

    • A strong academic background in either philosophy or, typically, a subject in the natural and social sciences, with minimum average grades of A–.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

    • Paper-based TOEFL exam: 600 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).

    • Internet-based TOEFL exam: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • Equivalent results in some other recognized test of English-language proficiency are acceptable.

Completion Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

    • PHL2198H Advanced Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

    • 1.5 FCE in graduate seminars in philosophy of science or cognate areas of philosophy such as logic, philosophy of language, epistemology, metaphysics, or philosophy of mind.

    • 1.0 FCE in graduate courses in the history and philosophy of science and technology (HPS) such as HPS1000H, HPS2009H, HPS 2010H, HPS3004H, HPS3010H, HPS4001H. A list of recommended HPS courses will be prepared and shared annually on the Department of Philosophy's graduate courses web page. Students will have the opportunity to request other HPS electives that reflect their specific research interests.

    • PHL3000H MA Professional Development Workshop.

  • Each MA student is assigned an advisor who will recommend a suitable program of philosophy courses. The student's choice of courses must be approved by the department.

  • It is possible for a full-time student to complete all requirements for the MA degree in the Fall and Winter sessions; however, the department encourages students to take no more than 3.0 FCEs during the Fall and Winter sessions and to complete the last course during the Summer session.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 5 years part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

 

Philosophy