Master of arts program

Students pursuing academic careers in the humanities and the sciences may take the Master of Arts in Philosophy as preparation for Ph.D.-level work in philosophy and other environmentally related fields. It is also a good background for students planning careers in environmental law. A nonthesis option is available for students pursuing nonacademic environmental career objectives in business, government and non-governmental organizations. Because this option can be taken in a single year, it can provide environmental professionals with the opportunity to develop expertise in the value aspects of environmental policy and decision making during one-year leaves of absence from their jobs.

Students study with six nationally and internationally known specialists, in the field of environmental ethics and with the members of the Faculty of Environmental Ethics, an interdisciplinary graduate faculty representing 18 departments universitywide.

Graduate courses in philosophy may also be taken as part of the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies through the the Center for Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies. This program permits students to create their own degree plans in which they study in three or more related areas.

Teaching assistantships are available in the first year of study and teaching fellowships in the second year. Teaching assistants and fellows participate in the undergraduate instructional program, which offers a traditional Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Minor in Philosophy, and an Interdisciplinary Minor in Religion Studies. For courses taught in particular semesters, consult the three-year schedule of courses.

For tuition and mandatory fees and other financial information, consult Student Accounting and University Cashiering Services.

Admission Requirements

The application process consists of two parts: application to UNT and application to the program. Application for admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies is made through the graduate school. More information about that application process can be found here.

To the department, students must submit:

• a letter of intent
• letters of recommendation
• a writing sample

Send these three items directly to the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies. The letter should briefly summarize the applicant's background, specific interests in philosophy, and future career plans. One or more letters of recommendation and a writing sample are strongly encouraged. (Two letters are required if the student wishes to be considered for graduate support.) Applicants normally should have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in philosophy at this institution. Deficiencies will be evaluated on an individual basis.

For an M.S. or M.A. in interdisciplinary studies, applicants are required to present satisfactory standardized scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT) or other admissions materials (e.g., portfolio), as determined by a combination of the participating degree programs. Numerical standards for admission are based on the higher of the following two: (a) the highest among area-specific standardized requirements at UNT, or (b) on the highest mean score on relevant standardized tests for applicants to these areas nationally. Non-quantified admissions materials (e.g., portfolio) must be evaluated directly by the relevant participating program, with standards no less stringent than employed for admission by these programs.