Philosophy - Masters of Arts at Saint Mary's University

Our Masters program admits one or two students per year. Admissions standards are high and we expect that competition for placements will be quite stiff. We look for very high quality students whose philosophic interests match the expertise of our faculty. Potential applicants should check with our Graduate Coordinator r, Dr. Chris MacDonald, at (902) 420-5820 regarding their thesis topic prior to making formal application to the program. Please note that we are primarily an analytic department and those of us with interests in the history of philosophy study such figures for sake of the insights they provide into contemporary philosophic issues.  The MA program consists of three full courses (or 6 half courses) and a thesis.  Students are expected to complete the program within 12 months and work full time at his/her studies.

All questions and inquiries about the program should be directed to Graduate Officer; however, please note that applications and funding requests go directly to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR). Potential applicants are encouraged to study the information below before making a decision on whether to apply.

The deadline for September admission is 15 March.

A completed application consists of:

• all pertinant application materials required by the FGSR policies,
• undergraduate transcripts,
• at least 3 letters of recommendation,
• two samples of written work in philosophy,
• a statement of no more than 500 words of philosophic interests and abilities,
• a statement of no more than 500 words outlining what the student would like to work on in her MA thesis.

Below is a list of Department faculty members and their respective areas of specialization who are available to supervise graduate students.

Dr. Shelagh Crooks: Argumentation Theory; Epistemology; Metaphysics

Dr. Lisa Gannett: Philosophy of Science; History and Philosophy of Biology; Race, Gender, and Science; Bioethics

Dr. Chris MacDonald: Applied Ethics (especially Professional, Bio-medical, and Business Ethics); Game Theory; Social Contract Theory

Dr. John MacKinnon: Aesthetics; Legal Theory (Jurisprudence),

Dr. Mark Mercer: Ancient Philosophy; Epistemology; Meta-Ethics; Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Mind

Dr. Sheldon Wein: Ethical Issues in International Development; Ethical Theory; Legal Theory (Jurisprudence); Social Philosophy; Meta-Ethics; Utilitarianism; Contractarianism; Philosophy of Language