The M.A. degree requires the completion of eight regularly scheduled graduate courses in philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. No independent studies or transfer credits may be counted toward this requirement. No course with a grade lower than B- will count; a 3.0 GPA in the eight courses is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the degree.

M.A. candidates must also satisfy the following requirements:

1. One LOGIC course (505, 506, or any more advanced logic course approved by the Graduate Chair)
2. A distribution requirement consisting of one course in metaphysics and/or epistemology, one course in the history of philosophy, and one course in value theory;
3. To fulfill the research requirement, you must submit a substantial scholarly paper  between 7,000-10,000 words (not including footnotes and references). This paper should contain original research, receive a grade of B or better, and be approved by a faculty member as well as the director of graduate studies. You may revise and improve a seminar paper based on faculty feedback to ensure it meets the standards for the MA.

Continuing or terminating students may apply to the Graduate Division to graduate with the degree of M.A. at any time upon or in anticipation of the completion of these requirements; the Graduate Division requires continuous registration through the semester in which the degree is awarded.

Students who are specifically admitted for the M.A. degree rather than into the Ph.D. program are not eligible to take philosophy 600.