Academic Program

The MA in Philosophy/PhD in Religion dual degree program is designed for students who need a strong general foundation in philosophy to support their work in the philosophy of religion. It also constitutes a good dual qualification for teaching, particularly in colleges with joint philosophy and religion departments.

Degree Requirements

Of the 40 units required for the MA, 12 units will be counted from philosophy of religion PhD courses and 28 units will be required philosophy coursework. Course requirements include Topics in Philosophy, Logic I, an approved course in metaphysics or epistemology, an approved course in ethics or value theory, an approved course in modern philosophy, an approved course in ancient philosophy, one advanced seminar not in the philosophy of religion, and 12 units in the philosophy of religion (PhD courses). The PhD component requires these 12 units in philosophy of religion plus an additional 32 units. The student will complete a total of 72 units for both degrees.

Transfer Credits. Up to 12 units may be transferred in on the basis of previous graduate work; this total includes any transfer units credited toward the MA in philosophy. The student will need to validate, on the basis of transcripts or breadth exams (to be taken upon entrance), some competence in two areas of religion other than the philosophy of religion, one of which must be a religious tradition outside of the student’s own. A reading knowledge of French and German is required. Qualifying examinations are set for the individual student with a view to his or her dissertation topic.

A dual degree program allows a student with an MA in philosophy from CGU to pursue an MBA and a PhD in philosophy, and complete the course requirements for both degrees in three years. This program will be particularly useful to those planning management careers, in either the public or the private sector, in which decisions touch on matters of law and social policy.

Links to Other Programs and Further Information

Information for Philosophy 

Philosophy, MA 

Philosophy, MA/Religion, PhD  

Philosophy, PhD