MA in Philosophy at Boston University

Programme overview

The MA in Philosophy is a terminal degree for full-time or part-time students, with an optional concentration in the philosophy of science.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Philosophy | Duration: 32 units (8 courses) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Eight courses (32 units), at least five in philosophy (one may be a language course). Logic proficiency is required via a B+ or higher in a listed course such as CAS PH 633 Symbolic Logic or a department logic exam. The philosophy of science concentration requires CAS PH 687, two courses in the philosophy of a particular science and an approved elective. A thesis of up to 19,000 words with an oral defence is required.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed the equivalent of an undergraduate philosophy major, typically with a B average or higher; philosophy minors are encouraged to apply. GRS master's applicants submit transcripts, a CV/resume and, for most programmes, a personal statement; the GRE is not required unless a programme states otherwise.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences master's programmes admit for Fall 2027; Spring 2027 entry is offered for selected programmes (Economics MS programmes, History of Art & Architecture MA, Preservation Studies MA, Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence).

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Fall 2027 master's deadlines are mostly priority January 15 and final March 15 (African American & Black Diaspora Studies priority February 15, final March 15; Preservation Studies February 15; Sociology and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Spring 2027 deadlines for selected programmes are priority October 15 and final November 15. Applications are submitted through the online application; the GRE is required only for the Economics MS/MA programmes and the MS in Psychological & Brain Sciences.

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