Philosophy, MA/Religion, PhD

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The Master of Arts in Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy in Religion is a dual degree program designed for students who need a strong, general foundation in philosophy to support their work in the philosophy of religion. The program provides an exceptional academic foundation for those interested in teaching in higher education, particularly in colleges with joint philosophy and religion departments.

Students admitted to the MA in Philosophy/PhD in Religion should refer to the Philosophy Student Handbook and the Religion Student Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Degree Requirements

Information about the individual degree programs is available in the specific sections for the Master of Arts in Philosophy and the doctorate in Religion degrees.

Coursework. A minimum of 72 units are required for the two degrees. Units must be accomplished in the following manner.

Of the 40 units required for the MA in Philosophy, 12 units are derived from doctoral courses in the philosophy of religion, along with 28 units of required philosophy coursework.
The doctoral component requires these 12 units in the philosophy of religion and an additional 28 units in religion plus a 4-unit Transdisciplinary Course.

Research Tools. Reading knowledge of French and German required.

Other Requirements. Degree requirements for the two degree programs must be completed. This includes the final Capstone Paper required for the Philosophy MA. Policies and procedures about qualifying exams and the dissertation required for the doctorate in Religion are provided in the Doctoral Degrees section of the Bulletin.

Transfer Credit. The University’s policyon transfer credit applies. Up to 12 units, inclusive of units transferred for the Master of Arts in Philosophy degree, may be transferred.

University Policies. University policies detailed in the Academic Policies section of the Bulletin apply.

Continental Philosophy Concentration

The Continental Philosophy concentration is available to MA and PhD students in the Cultural Studies, Philosophy, and Religion programs. Requirements for the concentration are as follows according to the department/program in which the student is enrolled.

Philosophy MA

Four courses in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Capstone/final paper on continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Philosophy PhD. Same as Philosophy MA above, plus one folio paper in the area of continental thought.

Cultural Studies MA or PhD

16 units in Kantian and post-Kantian continental philosophy with the approval of advisor (Note: the presumption is that pre-Kantian philosophies will not be considered a course in continental thought, although, on an individual basis, may be considered upon the recommendation of the instructor)
Final paper on continental thought
French or German as a Research Tool

Religion MA or PhD (available only to students in the Philosophy of Religion and Theology program). Four courses in Kantian and Post-Kantian Continental philosophy with the approval of advisor.