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M.A. in Philosophy for International Students

Unfortunately, the M.A. program in Philosophy for International Students is no longer accepting new applications. Please note that the Department of Philosophy at Purdue does not offer a regular M.A. degree in Philosophy.

The M.A. in Philosophy for International Students is a two-year Master’s program that combines graduate seminars in philosophy with advanced English language instruction to develop students’ knowledge of philosophy, and their literacy in the reading, writing, and conversational practices of philosophers. The M.A. program is the ideal stepping stone for non-native speakers of English to prepare for Ph.D. programs in philosophy in the English-speaking world.

During the M.A. program in philosophy, students choose any of the graduate courses offered by the department’s Ph.D. program. All philosophy graduate courses are taught by research faculty within the Purdue Department of Philosophy and cover a wide range of philosophical research interests.

Every student in the M.A. program receives an individual evaluation of their English proficiency upon entrance to the program and an individualized development plan for their language skills. Each semester, students are offered specifically tailored courses to enhance their English reading, writing, speaking, and presentation skills in the philosophical context and culture. In addition, students receive support for a regular philosophy course of their choosing in a “Walk-Along” course: students meet with a designated faculty member parallel to the main course to discuss their progress and receive feedback on their reading, writing, and course presentations.

Students are also supported individually in their adjustment to their new cultural environment at an American university and its surroundings. In addition to the designated faculty member, students are personally supported by the department’s Intercultural Liaison, a Ph.D. student in the Philosophy program, beginning with pre-arrival challenges and continuing throughout their first year at Purdue.

A key component of the program is that a designated faculty member works individually with M.A. candidates during the Ph.D. application process. Support includes the extensive revision of one seminar paper to produce the ideal writing sample for application to Ph.D. programs in philosophy.

Upon completion of the degree requirements, students will graduate with a full M.A. degree from Purdue University, vitally improved English language skills, and full immersion in the culture of American research universities. Most importantly, students are given a very good chance at successfully applying for Ph.D. programs in the English-speaking world of philosophy.

Click here for the M.A. Curriculum Outline.

The following deadlines are strongly encouraged, and admission may not be possible thereafter:

  • Fall Admission Applications by May 1 of the respective year,
  • Spring Admission Applications by September 1 of the previous year.

Visa stipulations may require an earlier application/admission date in individual cases.

https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/gradrequirements/westlafayette/phil.html

 

The MAIS program is currently not accepting new applications.

For more information on the program, contact Phil2LMA@purdue.edu.

Check out our Program Brochure here:

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NOTE: The Department of Philosophy at Purdue does not offer a regular M.A. degree in Philosophy.