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THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY |
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| 103 Main Hall - West Chester University - West Chester, PA 19383 - 610-436-2841 | |
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THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY |
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| 103 Main Hall - West Chester University - West Chester, PA 19383 - 610-436-2841 | |
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Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master of Arts in
Philosophy--Applied Ethics
The Department The Department of Philosophy at West Chester University has offered the Master of Arts—Philosophy degree for over 35 years. This degree serves as a foundation for studies leading to a Ph.D. in philosophy, or prepares students for positions in industry, government or college teaching. We currently have seven highly qualified, full-time faculty members with strengths in such areas as history of philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, feminist theory, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, 20th continental philosophy, social philosophy and political philosophy. Beginning Fall of 2006, the West Chester Department of Philosophy has also begun to offer a Master of Arts—Philosophy: Applied Ethics degree. The course of study which leads to this degree is specifically designed for students who are interested in ethical theory and its application to issues arising in the workplace and elsewhere. Students may choose to concentrate their courses in Business Ethics, Healthcare Ethics or a combination of both. We have faculty with specializations in both Business Ethics and in Healthcare Ethics. Two certificate programs accompany the M.A. degree, aimed at advanced study for (but not limited to) business and medical professionals. Graduates of the West Chester program have earned Ph.D.’s in philosophy at Oxford, the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Michigan State and elsewhere. We have graduates of our program currently (Fall 2007) attending Ph.D.-granting institutions such as Temple University, Southern Illinois University, Penn State, and University of Memphis, among others. Some have published articles in national and international journals; and they have authored, contributed to and/or edited several books. Many students have taught as adjunct professors in the area and around the world. Among the places where our graduates have lectured are the University of Gansk (Poland), the University of Alaska, the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers and Villanova. Our graduates have also gotten tenured positions at such places as York College and Western Florida University. Those who chose non-academic careers have frequently gone on to distinguished careers in law, social work, government, religious organizations or journalism. A few have started their own businesses. Check back soon to hear directly from our most recent graduates! The Curriculum (click here for advising sheets) The master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credits. All candidates are required to take PHI 599—Philosophical Concepts and Systems, PHI 640—Seminar (on major figures in the history of philosophy), an analytic course, PHI520—Philosophy of Mind, and several elective philosophy courses, two of which can be in related fields. Beyond these requirements, the student has the choice of either the traditional or applied ethics track, and, under advisement, either the thesis or non-thesis program. The traditional track leading to the Master of Arts—Philosophy degree allows students to deepen their knowledge of the history of philosophy, major philosophers and major philosophical sub-disciplines such as epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics and aesthetics. The applied ethics track leading to the Master of Arts—Applied Ethics degree offers training in the theoretical justification and practical application of moral reasoning. Students pursuing this degree may choose to concentrate their courses in Business Ethics, Healthcare Ethics or a combination of both. They will develop skills in problem-seeing, problem-analyzing and problem-resolution in the workplace. The thesis program requires 24 credits in philosophy; 6 credits of which can be in related fields; and the thesis (PHI 610) which accounts for 6 credits. Preparation for the thesis program requires the student to work closely with a prospective thesis advisor and attain formal approval to register for thesis credits. The non-thesis program requires 18 credits in philosophy; 12 credits of electives chosen from philosophy or related disciplines*; and a final comprehensive examination. The final examination covers four fields: (i) metaphysics and epistemology; (ii) any two from ethical theory, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, modern philosophy or ancient philosophy, biomedical or business ethics; and (iii) any agreed upon philosopher such as Plato, Aquinas, Kant, or Wittgenstein. *Students enrolled in the applied ethics track and the non-thesis program may enroll (under advisement) in up to 12 credits of approved, focused electives offered by other WCU departments, such as Management or Public Health. All other students may take up to 6 credits of approved, focused electives outside of the philosophy department. Admission Requirements In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to a degree program at WCU, which include three (3) letters of reference (preferably academic), applicants must present a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours of undergraduate philosophy, including courses in history of ancient philosophy, history of modern philosophy, ethics, and logic. Applicants must also provide either GRE scores or a writing sample that demonstrates philosophical/analytical ability.
For Application Materials
Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education McKelvie Hall 102 West Rosedale Avenue West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 Phone: 610-436-2943 Fax: 610-436-2763 Email: gradstudy@wcupa.edu Web: www.wcupa.edu
For More Information
Dr. Joan Woolfrey Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Philosophy 102 Main Hall West Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 Phone: 436-2857 Email: jwoolfrey@wcupa.edu |