MA Philosophy at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Programme overview

The MA in Philosophy covers ethics, metaphysics, epistemology and the history of philosophy, and prepares students for philosophy PhD programmes or careers as teachers or ethics consultants. A thesis option and a coursework-only option with a comprehensive exam are offered, and a five-year BA/MA route is available for UT undergraduates.

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Philosophy | Duration: Minimum 30 graduate credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Knoxville, TN, United States

What you will study

The thesis option comprises 24 hours of graduate coursework plus PHIL 500 Thesis (6 hours); the coursework option comprises 30 hours of graduate coursework. At least two-thirds must be at the 500 level, with distribution requirements across ethics and political philosophy, metaphysics and epistemology, and history of philosophy. The thesis option ends with a thesis defense; the coursework option ends with a written comprehensive examination and a capstone experience such as presenting a conference or colloquium paper.

Career pathways

Preparation for PhD study in philosophy, teaching and ethics consulting.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is decided case by case with an application deadline of January 15. The application includes a writing sample of approximately 4000 to 6000 words, a personal statement, transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Some prior experience in philosophy is necessary, but applicants with or without an undergraduate philosophy degree are considered.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer. Domestic applicants may apply up to two weeks before the start of the desired term unless the programme sets an earlier deadline.

International graduate applicants on F and J visas: Fall online submission April 15 and file completion May 15; Spring June 15 and October 1; Summer October 15 and February 15. Departmental deadlines may be earlier.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.utk.edu/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities