Master of Arts in Philosophy

Begin advanced training in philosophy through an innovative curriculum with the Master of Arts in Philosophy in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. This 30-credit graduate degree provides students the opportunity to join a cohesive group of peers and faculty working across the traditions of Anglo-American and European philosophy, contemporary issues, and historical scholarship. 

Philosophy MA faculty are internationally acclaimed in key areas, including

  • aesthetics, 
  • ancient philosophy, 
  • early modern and Kantian European philosophy, 
  • epistemology,
  • ethics, 
  • feminism, 
  • philosophy of language, 
  • philosophy of science,
  • political philosophy,
  • post-Kantian European philosophy, and 
  • pragmatism.

As a Philosophy MA student, you will participate in experiences across Philadelphia, such as 

  • participating in conferences and off-campus events;  
  • running the Work-in-Progress series and a newly established Women in Philosophy reading group; 
  • working with the Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium and helping guide Fresh Philosophy, the Consortium’s undergraduate online journal; and 
  • taking part in a highly active department colloquium series.

Temple’s Department of Philosophy has an especially rich history and continuing presence in the field of aesthetics, counting American philosophers Monroe Beardsley and John Fisher among former faculty. Faculty members publish with leading journals and publishing houses, representing Temple nationally and abroad.

Philosophy PhD

Students who plan to pursue the Philosophy PhD at Temple should first apply to the PhD program. Students who wish to earn the Philosophy MA can do so while in the doctoral program. 

The Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium

The Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium provides expanded course options for graduate work in philosophy. Students enrolled in the Philosophy MA program at Temple may take graduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University.

Philosophy MA/Urban Bioethics MA Dual Degree

The Department of Philosophy and the Center for Bioethics, Urban Health and Policy at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine offer a dual degree program combining an MA in Philosophy with an MA in Urban Bioethics.

The aim of the dual degree program is to provide Philosophy MA students with specialized training in the ethics, politics and values of health in our increasingly diverse society, while at the same time offering Urban Bioethics students a broader understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary bioethics. The program blends the missions and values of philosophy and urban bioethics, and it will prepare students with the depth of training and expertise necessary as they move towards future leadership positions in academia, healthcare and other public spheres.

Learn more about Philosophy MA dual degree options.

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Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers.  

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the Philosophy MA are offered in-person on both Temple’s Main Campus and Center City campus, with classes largely offered before 4:30 p.m. The degree program may be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Students may take up to three years to complete the Philosophy MA.

Courses you are likely to take as part of the Philosophy MA curriculum include

  • 19th Century Philosophy,
  • Aesthetics,
  • Contemporary Ethical Theory,
  • Feminist Epistemology and the Philosophy of Science,
  • Metaethics,
  • Political Theory, and
  • Theory of Knowledge.

Learn more about Philosophy MA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,053.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,449.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

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Additional Program Information