Master's Program

The intent of the M.A. Program is to provide advanced training in philosophy, usually for graduates of Honours Bachelor's programs in Philosophy. Through course work students are exposed to a wide range of philosophical literature, both modern and historical, technical and discursive. In addition, a required research project in the summer term ensures that students develop strong skills in philosophical research and writing. This course of study offers students good preparation for doctoral training and research in Philosophy, and in related areas such as the History of Ideas, Law, Science, and Women’s Studies.

Program Requirements

Coursework

M.A. students are required to complete 3 graduate courses in philosophy (6 half-credit courses), in which they must achieve an overall average of at least 75% to maintain minimal good standing. At least one of the 6 half-credit courses must be in the area of History of Philosophy. At least two others must be in two of the three areas of Value Theory (including moral, political, legal, and social philosophy), Metaphysics and Epistemology (including philosophy of language and mind), and Philosophy of Science (including logic and foundations of mathematics).

Summer research project

Under the supervision of a faculty member who has standing in the Philosophy Department’s graduate program, students will produce a paper that will not exceed 10,000 words on a topic agreed upon in consultation with the Graduate Chair and the project supervisor. The project could be based on a paper for a course that was taken and completed in one of the previous two terms. (The paper may not significantly overlap with work done or being done on any course that was taken but not completed in either of the previous two terms.) The paper must show substantive engagement with the topic and with the relevant literature, and is due by August 15th. The project supervisor will assign a grade of pass with distinction, pass, or fail to the work, depending on its quality.

Western provides the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities.