What do Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates have in common? They were all master thinkers, more commonly called Philosophers. If it is natural for you to question things in human society and to have a constant need for more knowledge, like these philosophers, with a Master's Degree in Philosophy you could turn your thinking and questioning into a career.
Master's Degree in Philosophy
There are two main paths that one can follow when pursuing a Master's Degree in Philosophy – a Master of Arts in Philosophy (M.A.) or a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.). While both are focused on the next step of obtaining a Doctorate in Philosophy, they both offer students different opportunities. The M.A. in Philosophy gives you a broad understanding of philosophy, ethics, and logic and how it applies to society and language. A Master of Philosophy on the other hand is more research based and builds on the knowledge of philosophy that you have already gained.
Most Master's Degree in Philosophy programs take 2 years to complete, but this can vary depending on the Bachelor's Degree you obtained and the experience and knowledge you already have in philosophy. It is an academic degree that is offered at most liberal arts colleges and universities either online or as a campus education.
Coursework
When you complete a Master's Degree in Philosophy much of the coursework you take will be based on the history and readings of past philosophers. You will also study how philosophy effects society in areas such as feminism and postmodernism. Typical course could include:
- History of Philosophy
- Logic
- Modern Philosophy
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics
- Value Theory
A basic Philosophy Master's Degree is common, but many colleges offer various areas of concentration within philosophy, which will affect the courses you will be required to take. Some more specific areas may be:
- Greek Philosophy
- Metaphysical Philosophy
- Social Philosophy
- Environmental Philosophy
Finding a Career
Most people who graduate with a Master's Degree in Philosophy will go on to pursue a Doctorate or Ph.D in Philosophy with the intention of becoming a teacher or college professor. However, you will gain many valuable skills that will allow you to find other careers in all sorts of areas such as:
- Law
- Politics
- Research
- Ministry
- Medicine
- Government
