Breadth of knowledge. Faculty in UToledo's M.A. program in philosophy teach multiple philosophical traditions. Students gain a critical skill as they engage with historical and contemporary philosophical problems.
The University of Toledo's master's program in philosophy focuses on preparing students for acceptance into competitive Ph.D. programs in philosophy.
Our M.A. students come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. While most of our students have extensive experience in philosophy, it is not a requirement for acceptance. We look for strong students with advanced critical and analytical skills who have an interest in addressing philosophical problems from multiple perspectives.
UToledo's Department of Philosophy is historically oriented and pluralistic. Faculty represents continental and analytic philosophical traditions. We are the perfect program for students who want to develop broad familiarity with diverse areas of philosophical research, including:
During their second years, M.A. students continue course work and develop professional qualifications in an area of specialization. There are two options for completing the degree:
Full tuition support. Most full-time students in UToledo's master's philosophy program receive a teaching assistantship (a full tuition waiver and stipend).
Professional development. First-year students work as teaching assistants for department faculty. Most second-year graduate students teach an introductory-level philosophy course of their own. This opportunity isn't available in many M.A. programs in philosophy. It can be of enormous value when applying to Ph.D. programs.
The department also offers limited support for graduate students traveling to professional conferences.
Outstanding placement record. Students from UToledo's master's program have gone on to superior PhD programs and top-tier law schools.
Continental philosophy is one of our program's strengths, setting our program apart from other M.A. programs in philosophy. We have faculty members with significant professional training, experience and connections in the continental tradition. Many of our graduate students choose to pursue research in that tradition.
UToledo philosophy master's students are sought-after by employers and graduate schools for their:
Most UToledo master's graduates are accepted into competitive doctoral programs or law schools, including:
Graduates of philosophy master's programs also find employment at universities and colleges; non-profits; foreign-service agencies; international development organizations and more.
“I am teaching myself programming in order to become a web and mobile developer. I am not sure it would even be possible without my graduate background. The ability to learn, to think analytically, critically and creatively — which I learned at UToledo — is applicable to learning code. I am able to find resources, pick the most useful ones, understand and internalize that knowledge and then apply it creatively to various projects. Philosophy at the graduate level is unequaled in preparing one for lifelong, continual learning and development.”
Jacob Carpenter M.A. ’14
“In addition to the obvious academic benefits of being in a department with philosophical diversity and serious academic pedigrees, I think the highlight of my M.A. experience at UToledo was personal. I have colleagues — fellow students and professors/advisors — who will be lifelong friends. I worked with exceptionally dedicated faculty and with peers who challenged me, people who found the time to care deeply not just about my academic work but my well-being and aspirations.”
Nicholas Rogerson M.A. ’13
Philosophy Master's Program Sample Classes
UToledo's philosophy department boasts an outstanding faculty that is truly pluralistic. Each member is an accomplished researcher and teacher with expertise in most traditions and approaches in western philosophy.
Examples of recent M.A. thesis projects include:
