M.A./Ph.D. in Philosophy
Overview
The FSU Department of Philosophy provides a challenging and stimulating environment in which graduate students are afforded the opportunity to develop academically and professionally. Beyond the graduate seminars offered each semester, academic growth is fostered in a variety of informal venues. All funded graduate students and faculty have offices in either Dodd Hall or the Diffenbaugh Building. As a result, many graduate students interact daily with members of the faculty and each other.
Master's/Doctoral Tracks
The department offers admission on either a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) track. Within the M.A. track, students may opt for the philosophy of science major. See the graduate handbook for details about the graduate program. The pre-M.A. portion of the program is the same on both tracks. Students admitted on the M.A. track may apply to continue for the Ph.D. Students admitted on the Ph.D. track who already have an M.A. in philosophy receive credit for their previous course work.
In recent years, all admitted students on both the M.A. track and the Ph.D. track have been fully funded. Funding includes a tuition waiver and a stipend, as well as payment of the health insurance premium.
The department also offers a graduate certificate in bioethics.
M.A. Track
The department offers a track on which the highest degree earned is the M.A. in philosophy (commonly called a terminal M.A.). It typically provide three years of funding and a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities to be a teaching or research assistant while students pursue their degrees. Upon completion of the MA program, many students seek employment or to continue on to seek a doctorate degree. You can find information regarding alumni success in the placement record.
Colloquium Series
Each semester the department organizes a colloquium series featuring distinguished scholars as well as our own faculty and graduate students. Recent speakers have included Andreas Huettmann, Jules Coleman, Linda Alcoff, John Corvino, Richard Samuels, Kathryn Tabb, and Iskra Fileva.
Interdisciplinary Meetings
During the fall and spring semesters, graduate students and faculty from philosophy, religion, and humanities meet weekly to read and translate texts of ancient Greek philosophers.
Philosophy Graduate Student Association
In addition, the Philosophy Graduate Student Association (PGSA) sponsors regular informal discussions on topics ranging from freedom and responsibility to non-western philosophy. The PGSA also annually co-sponsors a Graduate Student Conference with graduate students from the University of Florida.
Teaching Assistants
All graduate students appointed as teaching assistants have the opportunity to gain teaching experience at FSU. All assist the department as graders or discussion section leaders, and some have the opportunity to teach courses of their own. All graduate assistants complete training provided by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT), and graduate instructors also complete a course on teaching in the discipline.
Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate Certificate in Bioethics
Resources
Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT)
The Graduate School at FSU
McKnight Fellowship
Graduate School Fellowships and Grants
Interested in Applying?
Graduate (M.A./Ph.D.) Admissions FAQ
More questions? Please feel free to reach out to us through the following email contacts or by using the inquiry form below:
Academic questions: Andrea Westlund, awestlund@fsu.edu
Application process questions: philosophy@admin.fsu.ed