Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the MA in Social Philosophy at Loyola
The Master of Arts (MA) in Social Philosophy offered through Loyola University Chicago's respected Department of Philosophy delivers a distinctive graduate learning experience and a degree that will set you apart in your career.
Our social philosophy degree offers a strong foundation in ethical, political, and other philosophical issues concerning society and social justice.
As a student in the MA in Social Philosophy program, you will learn to analyze the human condition through the complex social, political, economic, and cultural contexts that characterize today's global landscape. And you will study in the heart of a vibrant philosophical community, mentored by Loyola's renowned researchers and scholars.
Program Structure
The MA in Social Philosophy can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Classes are held at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan in a diverse and dynamic residential area.
The master's in social philosophy is a 10-course, 30-credit-hour program that includes courses in moral philosophy, social philosophy, and five electives that can be chosen from a wide variety of topics.
Why Choose Loyola for Your MA in Social Philosophy?
- A unique degree program and distinctive area of scholarship
- A comprehensive exploration and versatile program of study
- An emphasis on the most current issues affecting the human condition
- A learning experience in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant philosophical community
- A closely-knit, diverse, and inclusive learning community
- An accomplished faculty of renowned researchers and scholars
Loyola’s MA in Social Philosophy is one of the few programs of its kind in the country that emphasizes philosophical issues as they relate to society and social justice, empowering you with a unique degree and distinctive graduate credential.
You will take two courses in moral philosophy, three courses in social philosophy, and five electives, some of which may be chosen from other graduate departments as a way to mold the curriculum around your interests and career goals.
Through the social philosophy degree, you will immerse yourself in the most pressing and complex social, political, economic, and cultural issues that characterize today’s global landscape and learn to analyze the human condition through that lens.
You will take advantage of a graduate learning experience at our Lake Shore Campus in the heart of Chicago, with opportunities nearby for research, conferences, lectures, and seminars at world-renowned institutions.
Our welcoming and collaborative academic community will support you every step of the way. Our social philosophy degree features a heightened emphasis on social justice and underrepresented fields like critical philosophy of race, queer theory, and feminism.
You will gain personalized guidance and mentorship from world-renowned Loyola University Chicago faculty who will engage you in leading-edge research activities as well as workshops, assistantships, and seminars.
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: Social 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: Social Philosophy MA program.
FacultyMA in Social Philosophy Career Connections
Most students in the MA in Social Philosophy program are Jesuit Scholastics who are completing the program as part of their formation as Jesuits. Upon completion of the program they are placed into their positions by the Society of Jesus.
As a non-Jesuit graduate of the program, you will be positioned for any number of future professional and academic paths. The program will give you the necessary foundation for specialized research at the doctoral level as well as additional master’s-level work in other disciplines like English, theology, and history, among others.
Specific job options include:
Professional roles and academic pursuits by recent graduates of the MA in Social Philosophy program include:
- Law student, Tulane Law School
- Freelance writer
- Jesuit regent instructor
- Teacher of theology
- Associate campus minister
- Research subject advocate/regulatory compliance officer
- Assistant chaplain
- English teacher
- Community organizer
- Theologian
- Coordinator of Asian/Pacific Islander initiatives
- PhD student
- Spanish teacher
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: Social 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: Social Philosophy MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMA in Social Philosophy Results and Skills
As a student in the MA in Social Philosophy program, you will develop a wide range of skills, including the ability to:
- 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
- Demonstrate knowledge in the history of philosophy and perennial and contemporary issues in philosophy
- Work with others for the sake of common purposes and foster Jesuit ideals, including truth and justice
- Identify hidden presuppositions of everyday beliefs
- Frame, research, complete, and defend your MA paper
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 current Loyola undergraduate or alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Philosophy: Social Philosophy MA totals $36450.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,215.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
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
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Philosophy: Social Philosophy MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall & Spring: Rolling admission
Please note that decisions are typically delivered 2 weeks following complete application submission.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Philosophy: Social Philosophy MA include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Writing Sample
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 shorter 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.
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: Social Philosophy MA program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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