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About the MA in Philosophy at Loyola
The Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy program offered through Loyola University Chicago's respected Department of Philosophy offers a unique array of benefits that result in powerful preparation for your future professional and academic pursuits.
Integrating a strong grounding in the history of philosophy with current debates in social and political philosophy, ethics, and contemporary philosophy, the Loyola master's degree in philosophy has a proud legacy of success within the field.
In addition to mentorship from world-renowned faculty and scholars, you will enjoy classes intentionally kept small; a first-year proseminar to position you for success at the graduate level; and an opportunity-rich setting in the heart of a vibrant community.
Program Structure
The MA in Philosophy program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Classes are held at the Lake Shore Campus, located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan in a diverse and dynamic residential area.
The master's in philosophy is a 10-course, 30-credit-hour program that requires at least one course in five areas, including ancient philosophy, medieval philosophy, classical modern philosophy, continental philosophy, and analytic philosophy.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
Get a head start on your master’s degree by earning graduate credits as a senior. This program is eligible for an Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP), welcoming students from any undergraduate major who meet admission requirements.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your MA in Philosophy?
- A focus on philosophical pluralism for heightened doctoral preparation
- A distinctive focus on professional development and placement
- A vibrant, opportunity-rich setting in the heart of Chicago
- An inclusive and diverse learning community
- An internationally renowned faculty of scholars and mentors
- An accelerated path for completion of the BA and MA in Philosophy
The master's in philosophy was founded on generalist training in the history of philosophy with a particular emphasis on philosophical pluralism. Our approach gives you more relevant and focused preparation for specialized research at the doctoral level.
You will gain extensive preparation designed specifically to achieve your future goals through the program's first-year proseminar, research assistantships, and placement and professional development workshops offered to you throughout the year.
Earning your master's in philosophy on Loyola's Lake Shore Campus will place you in the heart of a vibrant philosophical community with opportunities for research, seminars, conferences, and lectures at world-renowned institutions throughout the Chicago area.
You will be part of a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning community where you will gain preparation for underrepresented fields, such as critical philosophy of race, feminism, and queer theory as well as through Minorities and Philosophy chapter activities.
As a student in the program you will be guided and mentored by nationally and internationally renowned philosophy scholars. You will have life-changing opportunities to work closely with them through research assistantships, workshops, and seminars.
The program can be completed as part of an accelerated BA/MA track, providing you with a cost-effective option for earning your bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years, shorter than the time it would take to complete both degrees separately.
Philosophy Department
The Department of Philosophy houses one of the largest philosophy faculties in the United States, representing a distinctively pluralistic approach to philosophy focusing on the critical inquiry of diverse philosophical topics in a humble, respectful and diverse climate. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Philosophy MA program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteDepartment News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the department faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Philosophy MA program.
FacultyMA in Philosophy Career Connections
Through the master's in philosophy, you will develop a strong foundation in the core areas of philosophy and be prepared for specialized research at the doctoral level. You will also gain an excellent intellectual foundation for further graduate study in areas like history, theology, and English.
In addition to a pathway toward the doctorate, the MA in Philosophy can lead to fulfilling careers in fields ranging from education to the law.
Specific job options include:
Our graduates of the MA in Philosophy program have gone on to the following professional roles and academic pursuits:
- PhD student, Loyola University Chicago
- PhD student, Georgia State University
- PhD student, Michigan State University
- PhD student, Indiana University
- PhD student, Marquette University
- Law student, Tulane Law School
- Operations & audience development manager
- Teacher of theology
- Visiting professor and campus minister
- Writer
- Instructor of philosophy
- Physician, associate professor of medicine
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Philosophy MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Philosophy MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2025-2026 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMA in Philosophy Results and Skills
By earning your MA in Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, you will develop a wide range of skills, including the ability to:
- Demonstrate knowledge in the history of philosophy and perennial and contemporary issues in philosophy
- Identify hidden presuppositions of everyday beliefs
- Articulate and evaluate philosophical arguments and consider alternative kinds of philosophical argumentation
- Apply philosophical categories, methods, and insights to other areas of human interest, experience, and cognitive inquiry
- Frame, research, complete, and defend your MA paper
- Work with others for the sake of common purposes and foster Jesuit ideals, including truth and justice
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a Loyola alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates. Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship, offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy MA | 30 | $1,270.00 | $38100.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsVisit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each option below. Please note that Accelerated Master's Pathways are only for current Loyola undergraduate students.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Philosophy MA are listed below:
Fall & Spring: Rolling admission
Decisions are typically completed 3 weeks following complete application submission.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Philosophy MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Students should have a solid background in philosophy (ordinarily an undergraduate minor or its equivalent).
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
A research paper or sample of what you regard as your strongest written work in philosophy or a related field. While there is no set page limit, writing samples are typically no less than 4,500 words and no longer than 10,000 words.
Application Deadlines
Loyola students should apply to Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP) during their junior year. The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Philosophy MA are listed below:
Fall: March 15
Spring: October 15
Application Requirements
Please note that only current Loyola undergraduates are eligible for AMPs. Application requirements for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Philosophy MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3 Recommendations
3.3 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Admission to the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Philosophy MA requires successful completion of the following courses:
All courses from PHIL 400–PHIL 490 are appropriate to take during the student's undergraduate career.
Students are advised to take senior-year courses that satisfy MA distribution requirements and/or introduce foundational texts, ideas, or philosophical skill sets, including but not limited to:
- PHIL 401: Plato
- PHIL 402: Aristotle
- PHIL 403: Ancient Philosophy
- PHIL 407: Medieval Philosophy
- PHIL 415: Kant
- PHIL 416: 17th–18th Century Philosophy
- PHIL 438: Topics in Continental Philosophy
- PHIL 442: Anglo-American Philosophy
- PHIL 450: Epistemology
- PHIL 451: Metaphysics
- PHIL 463: Virtue Ethics
- PHIL 468: Topics in Ethics
- PHIL 478: Research Methods in Social Justice
- PHIL 480: Social & Political Philosophy
- PHIL 483: Philosophical Questions in Human Rights
- PHIL 490: Current Philosophical Issues
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
A research paper or sample of what you regard as your strongest written work in philosophy or a related field. While there is no set page limit, writing samples are typically no less than 4,500 words and no longer than 10,000 words.
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Philosophy MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY