Master of Arts (MA) Thesis-based in Philosophy

In addition to the Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements, the Department requires:

a) Students must complete a minimum of 21 units of coursework, including course (normally taken in the first year in program) and Philosophy 699 (normally taken in the second year). Incoming students determine coursework in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.

b) In the specializations History and Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Religion, courses taken in History or Religious Studies, respectively, may, with departmental approval, count as fulfilling course requirements for the degree.

c) Students in the specialization in History and Philosophy of Science must show competence in logic. This requirement may be met by:

• successfully completing course or course as part of the program course requirements; or

• serving as a Graduate Assistant (Teaching) for course; or

• completing course or course (with a grade of B or better) in addition to the program course requirements*.

*Students who have completed Philosophy 279 or 377 (or its equivalent at another university) may request an exemption from the logic requirement from the Graduate Program Director.

Advanced Credit

The Department does not normally give advanced credit for courses taken previously. However, in special circumstances, a request for advanced credit may be considered if it is made as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma or for courses taken to raise the grade point average to a level required for admission. Normally, advanced credit may be given for a maximum of 9 units.

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The Department of Philosophy will allow students to pursue the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade).

Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.

Credit for Undergraduate Courses

Normally, undergraduate courses will not be credited towards completion of course requirements in a graduate program.

Time Limit

Expected completion time for full-time students in a master’s thesis-based program is two years. Maximum completion time is four years.

Supervisory Assignments

Students are assigned an interim advisor until they have an opportunity to become acquainted with members of the faculty. Each student must have an assigned supervisor by the end of the second regular academic session after first registration (April for September registrants and December for January registrants). The choice of supervisor must be by mutual arrangement between the student and faculty member concerned, and approved by the Department.

A supervisory committee at the master’s level is not normally appointed. When such a committee is deemed necessary, the Dean’s approval must be obtained.

Thesis Examinations

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate studies thesis requirements, the program requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Thesis-based MA students are guaranteed funding for the first two years of their program.

For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.

Students applying for scholarships must submit their applications to the Department by January 15.

Satisfactory academic progress in the student’s program is required for funding