Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies

Description

The Master of Arts in Philosphical Studies (MAPS) program is an opportunity for advanced study of philosophy, emphasizing both the history and major topical areas of philosophical inquiry, with attention to how these inform and are informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible to seek the MAPS degree, students must complete an application indicating that they

• Have an earned undergraduate (bachelor's) degree
• Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (or some other indication of academic qualification for master-level course work in philosophy)

Seminary students are advised that they must also receive permission from the Seminary academic dean.

The application for candidacy for the MAPS degree is available from the Philosophy Department.

Completion Requirements

To fulfill the requirements for completion of the MAPS degree, students must

• Demonstrate proficiency in a second language.
• Demonstrate proficiency in logic (with a C or higher in PHIL 101 or 102, or a passing grade on a departmental logic exam)
• Complete 30 credits in philosophy

Relation to Seminary Mission and the Program for Priestly Formation (PPF)

The seminary’s mission includes a strong emphasis on intellectual formation.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Program for Priestly Formation” (2006) commends a liberal-arts education as an important part of the intellectual formation of priests.  It especially recommends philosophy as a primary discipline, because philosophy serves to synthesize and organize liberal learning, to prepare students for theological training (PPF, ¶146, 151, 152), and to prepare pastors to engage the philosophical assumptions of modern culture (¶153).  While seminary students can fulfill the minimum curricular recommendations of the PPF without completing a master's degree, the MAPS can serve those seminary students who desire further philosophical training, in the spirit of the PPF’s vision of intellectual formation, beyond these minimum requirements.

Spring 2010 Schedule for MAPS (PDF version)

Fall 2010 Schedule for MAPS (PDF version)

To request more information please Use This Form or:

Contact:

Christopher Anadale, Director

301-447-5368 ext. 4307, Bradley Hall

anadale@msmary.edu