Master of Arts in Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy's Master of Arts degree offers two distinct paths to the M.A. degree: a general track that covers historical and topical areas of the discipline, and a bioethics track that integrates theory with practice to address an urgent need both in medical science and in the healthcare industry.

Students who pursue the general track may take a number of elective courses focused on classical American philosophy, an area in which the department has particular strength.

Students completing the Philosophy M.A. curriculum will:

Know and understand important figures, theories, and arguments in core areas of classical and contemporary philosophy.
Know and understand important figures, theories, and arguments related to a specific subject area: American philosophy, bioethics, or international research ethics.
Comprehend, interpret, analyze, and evaluate complex philosophical concepts, claims, and arguments.
Conduct mentored philosophical research leading to competent, well-researched, in-depth argumentative essays on specific topics.
Develop and deliver clear, accurate, and informative research presentations for academic or professional audiences.

Applicants are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or its equivalent, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall (on a scale of 4) and at least 3.0 in the student’s major. There is no specific major requirement, but applicants must show a record of coursework (or equivalent experience) demonstrating that they are sufficiently prepared to do graduate work in philosophy. Acceptable coursework includes an undergraduate degree in philosophy. For applicants interested in the Bioethics or International Research Ethics concentrations, professional training or experience that involved health care ethics could be accepted in lieu of coursework..

All non-native speakers of English must also submit proof of English proficiency unless the applicant has a Bachelor's degree or higher from the US or a predominantly English-speaking country.

IELTS score of 6.5

TOEFL (iBT) score of 79

IUPUI Program for Intensive English (PIE) - Level 7 Check with your academic department for approval

Any ELS center located in the US or Canada - Level 112 Check with your academic department for approval

Degree from an English-speaking Country - Completed Bachelor's degree or higher from one of these designated countries (both lists)

ECFMG Certification - Official certification received from the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates