M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.A. in Philosophy
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Philosophy at The Catholic University of America is a graduate program designed to provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive grounding in the history of philosophy, with a particular emphasis on the Catholic and Thomistic traditions. The program is rooted in the university's unique identity as a pontifical university, offering a distinct approach to philosophical inquiry that integrates faith and reason. It aims to develop sophisticated analytical and critical thinking skills, prepare students for further doctoral work in philosophy, or equip them for careers where profound conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and articulate communication are paramount.
Curriculum: The M.A. in Philosophy is a 30-credit-hour program, typically comprising 10 graduate-level courses. Core requirements include three foundational courses: PHI 501: Metaphysics, PHI 503: Philosophy of Nature, and PHI 505: Ethics. Students are also required to take a minimum of four courses in the history of philosophy, covering ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary periods, ensuring a broad historical understanding. An additional requirement is a reading knowledge of either French or German, which must be demonstrated through examination or prior coursework. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination that assesses a student's broad understanding of philosophical concepts and history.
Research Focus: The School of Philosophy at Catholic University fosters a vibrant research environment with a particular strength in the history of philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of religion. Its unique commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition means that faculty and students often engage in research that explores the intersection of faith and reason, the philosophical foundations of Catholic social thought, and the thought of figures like Thomas Aquinas. Beyond this, faculty research interests span a wide range of areas, including epistemology, philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and aesthetics. The M.A. program emphasizes the development of rigorous analytical and interpretive skills, encouraging students to engage deeply with primary philosophical texts and contribute to ongoing philosophical discourse.
Industry Engagement: As a deeply academic program in the humanities, the M.A. in Philosophy does not directly engage with "industry" in a commercial sense. Its primary "engagement" is within the academic and scholarly communities, largely preparing students for further doctoral study and careers as philosophy professors. However, the rigorous training in logical argumentation, critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and clear articulation of complex ideas cultivates highly transferable skills that are valued in diverse professional fields. Graduates often find success in careers requiring strong analytical and communication abilities, such as law, policy analysis, journalism, higher education administration, and non-profit management. The university's location in Washington, D.C., provides access to numerous think tanks, non-profits, and government agencies where such skills are highly sought after.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, while rooted in the Western philosophical tradition and specifically Catholic thought, inherently incorporates a global perspective through its historical breadth and engagement with universal questions of human existence, morality, and knowledge. The curriculum covers a wide range of philosophical traditions, spanning ancient Greek thought, medieval scholasticism, and modern and contemporary philosophy, which often includes dialogue with diverse cultural and intellectual currents. Furthermore, the Catholic intellectual tradition itself is inherently global, with its universal claims and engagement with philosophical questions across diverse cultures and historical periods. This broad historical and intellectual scope, coupled with a diverse student body, fosters a global understanding of philosophical inquiry and its relevance to contemporary challenges worldwide.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.A. in Philosophy develop exceptional skills in critical thinking, logical argumentation, complex problem-solving, ethical reasoning, and highly precise written and oral communication. While often a stepping stone to further doctoral studies and academic careers, these profound intellectual capabilities are highly transferable and valued across a wide array of professional fields.
University Professor/Lecturer (typically requires a Ph.D.): Teaching philosophy at the college or university level, conducting original research, and contributing to scholarly publications. The M.A. provides a strong foundation for doctoral programs.
Ethics Officer/Compliance Officer: Working in corporations, healthcare organizations, or government agencies to develop, implement, and monitor ethical guidelines and ensure compliance with regulations.
Policy Analyst/Researcher: Conducting research and providing analysis on complex policy issues for think tanks, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups, leveraging strong analytical and reasoning skills.
Lawyer/Paralegal (requires further professional education): The rigorous training in logical argumentation, critical analysis of texts, and constructing coherent arguments makes philosophy an excellent preparation for legal careers.
Journalist/Writer: Crafting clear, well-reasoned articles, essays, or reports for various publications or media outlets, often focusing on complex social, ethical, or political issues.
Management Consultant: Advising organizations on strategic planning, organizational structure, and problem-solving, where critical thinking and conceptual clarity are essential.
Higher Education Administrator: Working in university roles such as academic advising, program coordination, or institutional research, leveraging analytical and organizational skills.
Technical Writer/Editor: Translating complex information into clear and concise documentation for technical or scientific fields, requiring precision in language and logical structure.
Non-profit Program Manager: Designing and overseeing programs for non-profit organizations, often in areas like social justice, education, or community development, where ethical considerations and strategic thinking are paramount.
Data Ethicist: Working in technology companies, research institutions, or government, focusing on the ethical implications of data collection, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, a growing field that requires philosophical grounding.
