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Email address: artsgradsc@ucalgary.ca
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Arts (MA), thesis-based and course-based

The course-based Master of Arts degree may be completed on a full-time or a part-time basis.

Specializations*:

• History and Philosophy of Science (MA only)
• Philosophy of Religion (MA only)

*These two specializations are offered in co-operation with the Departments of History and Classics and Religion respectively. Selecting a specialization is not mandatory.

In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements, the Department requires:

a) A completed four-year undergraduate degree with honours or a major in philosophy; however, applicants with a degree in a related academic field will be considered.

b) Three letters of reference, and a sample of written work, such as a recent essay, written in English. Applications will not be considered without a sample of written work. The sample should be 10-15 pages including bibliography.

c) A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher on a four-point scale over the last 60 units and/or the last two years of study in their degree.

d) For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based test); an IELTS score of 7.0; a CAEL score of 70 (with no section less than 70); a PTE score of 68; a Duolingo score of 135 (with no subscore below 115); or a Cambridge score of 191. This requirement can also be met by completing the with a minimum grade of "A-" in Academic Writing and Oral Communication, and a minimum grade of “B+” in all other courses.

The deadline for submitting complete applications is available on the Future Students website:

Master of Arts (course-based):

Master of Arts (thesis-based):

Doctor of Philosophy:

The Department does not normally give advanced credit for courses taken previously. However, in special circumstances, a request for advanced credit may be considered if it is made as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma or for courses taken to raise the grade point average to a level required for admission. Normally, advanced credit may be given for a maximum of 9 units.

In addition to the Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements, the Department requires:

Master of Arts (thesis-based)

a) Students must complete a minimum of 21 units of coursework, including Philosophy 603 (normally taken in the first year in program) and Philosophy 699 (normally taken in the second year). Incoming students determine coursework in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.

b) In the specializations History and Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Religion, courses taken in History or Religious Studies, respectively, may, with departmental approval, count as fulfilling course requirements for the degree.

c) Students in the specialization in History and Philosophy of Science must show competence in logic. This requirement may be met by passing Philosophy 677 or equivalent. If taken, Philosophy 677 is considered over and above the required number of graduate courses for completion of a degree.

Master of Arts (course-based)

A minimum of 30 units, including at least 6 units in the History of Philosophy and 6 units in 20th Century or Contemporary Philosophy. Philosophy 603 is a required course and is normally taken in the first year in program.

Doctor of Philosophy

a) Students must normally complete a minimum of 18 units for students with a Master of Arts degree, or a minimum of 36 units for students entering directly from an honours undergraduate program, including Philosophy 603 (normally taken in the first year in program).

b) All students must show competence in logic. This requirement may be met by passing Philosophy 677 or equivalent. If taken, Philosophy 677 is considered over and above the required number of graduate courses for completion of a degree.

c) In addition to a) and b), students must complete Philosophy 700 after course and candidacy requirements are completed. Philosophy 700 is normally taken in the year after advancing to candidacy.

Note: Normally, in both master's and doctoral programs, no more than 3 units of Directed Reading can be taken to satisfy the minimum course requirement.

Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The Department of Philosophy will allow students to pursue the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade).

Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.

Normally, undergraduate courses will not be credited towards completion of course requirements in a graduate program.

Expected completion time for full-time students in a master’s thesis- or course-based program is two years, and four years in a doctoral program. Maximum completion time is four years for a master’s thesis program, and six years for a master’s course-based or doctoral program.

Students are assigned an interim advisor until they have an opportunity to become acquainted with members of the faculty. Each student must have an assigned supervisor by the end of the second regular academic session after first registration (April for September registrants and December for January registrants). The choice of supervisor must be by mutual arrangement between the student and faculty member concerned, and approved by the Department.

A supervisory committee at the master’s level is not normally appointed. When such a committee is deemed necessary, the Dean’s approval must be obtained.

A doctoral student shall be under the general supervision of a supervisory committee. After consultation with the student, the supervisor will submit a list of possible members of the supervisory committee to the Graduate Studies Committee for approval. The supervisory committee should be established as soon as possible and no later than three months after the supervisor’s appointment.

In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the program requires:

Doctoral students must complete two field of study papers, a field of study oral examination, a written thesis proposal and an oral examination on the thesis proposal. For complete details of the candidacy requirements, see the .

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate studies thesis requirements, the program requires:

Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Thesis-based MA students and PhD students are guaranteed funding for the first two and four years, respectively, of their program. Course-based MA students normally do not receive department funding.

For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.

Students applying for scholarships must submit their applications to the Department by January 15.

Satisfactory academic progress (see ) in the student’s program is required for funding.