Program Overview

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Philosophy Graduate Program (MA)

The Master of Arts program in Philosophy at Texas Tech University is designed to provide a solid grounding for continuing toward a Ph.D. in philosophy. It also serves as an excellent springboard for those who wish to pursue an advanced degree in other disciplines or professions.

Why Earn a Master's Degree in Philosophy?

Those who wish to pursue an advanced degree in other disciplines or professions will find that the philosophy M.A. program provides an excellent springboard. The philosophy M.A. program at Texas Tech University is also designed to provide a solid grounding for continuing toward a Ph.D. in philosophy. Students lacking an undergraduate degree in philosophy, for example, might use the philosophy M.A. to improve their credentials, fill in gaps in their fund of knowledge, polish their writing skills, increase their intellectual competence and confidence, and generally prepare themselves for entrance into a philosophy Ph.D. program.

The Graduate Program at Texas Tech

There are two tracks in the M.A. program. The thesis track requires 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis, and culminates in the writing and oral defense of a formal master's thesis. Alternatively, the non-thesis track requires completion of 33 hours of graduate course work and a final oral exam over the general topic of the student's best philosophy graduate paper (or over an independently written master's report).

Distribution Requirement

The Master of Arts program in Philosophy permits students to pursue graduate studies with an emphasis that reflects their particular interests and backgrounds. There is a distribution requirement: by the time of graduation, a student must take:

• one course in metaphysics and/or epistemology
• one course in value theory
• one course in the History of Philosophy

Interdisciplinary Component

Another distinctive feature of the Texas Tech philosophy M.A. program is its optional interdisciplinary component. Up to one third of the student's course work may consist of graduate courses in disciplines other than philosophy. These courses may be counted toward advanced degrees in other disciplines as well as toward the philosophy M.A. Double counting these courses makes it easier to obtain a philosophy M.A. along with another postgraduate degree.

Financial Assistance

Teaching Assistantships are provided to almost all students admitted to the program. The philosophy department typically awards 9 or 10 Teaching Assistantships each year. Stipends are commensurate with duties. The TA stipend plus guaranteed scholarships totals $16,000 per year. Teaching Assistantships also include tuition and fee waivers that cover 85% of the entire cost of tuition and fees. Additional fellowship support of up to $5,000 per year may also be available.

Admission to the M.A. Program in Philosophy

Admission to the M.A. Program in Philosophy is based upon the holistic consideration of several factors:

• transcripts
• GRE scores
• letters of recommendation
• writing sample
• personal statement
• any other materials relevant to the application

Application Requirements

Students apply through the Office of Graduate Admissions website. The application requires:

• transcripts of all previous college work
• GRE scores (optional for applications through fall 2025)
• application fee ($75)
• three letters of recommendation from former instructors
• a writing sample that best presents philosophical ability
• a personal statement indicating background and particular interests in studying philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do the financial details look like for students admitted to the MA program?

With rare exception, the department offers each admitted student a tuition remission that covers 85% of tuition and fees. This leaves less than $2400 that students need to cover (split over two semesters). The TAship is $16,000 for 9 months.

2. Is the GRE exam required for my application?

The GRE is optional for applications through fall 2025.

3. Is the TOEFL exam required for my application?

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered for admission, with the exception of applicants from English proficiency-exempt countries.

4. Can I upload an unofficial transcript when applying, and then send the official one if admitted?

Yes.

5. Does the department grant application fee waivers?

Yes, but how many we are able to grant each year is contingent on the current budget.

6. What kind of preparation can I expect specifically for applying to PhD programs in Philosophy?

The department is composed of highly trained faculty with extensive international research reputations. You should expect to have detailed feedback on your thinking and your writing, and ample opportunity to improve and find your philosophical voice.

7. What if I'm not interested in going on to a PhD program in Philosophy?

We welcome students who are interested in doing philosophy for another two years and no further. Earning an MA in Philosophy is a great achievement that will make you smarter, and there are many professional avenues suited for such a degree, including especially teaching philosophy at the community college level, and careers in computer science and the law.