Philosophy
Program Description
The Department of Philosophy offers the Masters of Arts degree. Students choose from two tracks: (1) M.A. in Environmental Philosophy; (2) M.A. in Philosophy. The department is particularly strong in environmental philosophy. Our environmental masters track draws on the department's expertise in wilderness issues, Thoreau, ecofeminism, bioregionalism, philosophy of technology, philosophy of ecology, literature and environment, synthetic biology, and climate ethics. The department offers a second masters track for students who wish to pursue a more traditional course of study; in most cases this is a terminal degree rather than one that provides preparation for a Ph.D. elsewhere. Departmental funding is, except in rare circumstances, reserved for students in the environmental track.
The University of Montana is an exceptional institution for the study of environmental issues. In addition to a world class School of Forestry, the university has many highly regarded departments including those in Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, Native American Studies, and English. We also have a strong tradition in environmental writing and an active, interdisciplinary Program on Ethics and Public Affairs. There are numerous readings, lectures, conferences, and events on campus related to natural resources and environmental issues. Students who pursue the M.A. in Environmental Philosophy are also required to complete an internship with one of the several local and national environmental organizations located in Missoula. An internship as a teaching assistant for a Wild Rockies Field Institute environmental ethics field course is also available. Missoula itself is a culturally vibrant city which is located at the intersection of five beautiful valleys, offering unparalleled access to Montana's wildlife, its national forest and wilderness areas, and a number of its legendary rivers.
| Program |
Degree Offered |
| Philosophy |
M.A. |
Degree Offered
M.A. in Environmental Philosophy
Requirements
36 graduate credits; thesis.
A. 36 graduate credits:
1. 27 credits must be in philosophy. These include:
(a) Environmental Ethics (PHL 422, 3 credits)
(b) Philosophy of Technology (PHL 501, 3 credits)
(c) Philosophy of the Science of Ecology (PHL 501, 3 credits)
(d) Topics in Value Theory (PHL 502, 3 credits)
(e) Topics in Environmental Philosophy (PHL 504, 6 credits)
(f) Philosophy Forum (PHL 510, 2 credits)
(g) Supervised internship with a suitable environmental organization or government agency (PHL 598, 3 credits)
(h) Thesis (PHL 599, 4 credits)
2. 9 elective credits. These courses must be approved by the Graduate Advisor and may be philosophy courses or courses taken outside the department.
3. At least half the credits required for the degree (excluding a combined total of 10 credits for thesis and research) must be at the 500 level.
B. Thesis: Students must successfully complete and defend a 30-40 page thesis on a topic in environmental philosophy.
A student with the appropriate professional background wishing to enroll in this program while remaining in his or her career may be able to waive up to six of the 36 required credits. Three of these will be the internship and the other three will depend upon the student’s background. In order to be eligible for this waiver, such a student must satisfy the admissions committee that he or she has adequate preparation in philosophy.
M.A. in Philosophy
Requirements
36 graduate credits; thesis.
A. 36 graduate credits:
1. 33 credits must be in philosophy. These include:
(a) Topics in Epistemology, Philosophy of Technology or Philosophy of Science (PHL 501, 3 credits)
(b) Topics in Value Theory (PHL 502, 3 credits)
(c) Topics in the History of Philosophy (PHL 462 or 464 or 465 or 466, 3 credits)
(d) Philosophy Forum (PHL 510, 2 credits)
(e) Philosophy electives (18 credits)
(f) Thesis (PHL 599, 4 credits)
2. 3 credits may be taken outside of the Department of Philosophy (with the approval of the Graduate Advisor).
3. At least half the credits required for the degree (excluding a combined total of 10 credits for thesis and research) must be at the 500 level.
B. Thesis: Students must successfully complete and defend a 30-40 page thesis on a topic in philosophy.
Admissions
1. Application Materials and Deadlines
- Fall deadline for M.A. in Environmental Philosophy -- Complete application packet must be received by February 1.
- Fall deadline for M.A. in Philosophy -- Complete application packet must be received by February 1.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Philosophy requires the following materials:
- GRE Scores
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A Statement of Purpose (100-300 words) describing your background, research interests, professional goals, and reasons for choosing the Department of Philosophy at the University of Montana. Applicants should specify in the statement of purpose which degree track they are applying for (M.A. in Environmental Philosophy or M.A. in Philosophy).
- A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's philosophical abilities
- Three letters of recommendation (We prefer electronic submission through the Admission Application. If the electronic method is used there is no need to send paper copies to the department.)
2. Program Requirements for Admission
- The Department of Philosophy accepts GRE scores with a test date that is within the past five years or verifiable GRE scores if the test date is over five years old.
- While an applicant's undergraduate degree will typically be in the field of philosophy, admission may be granted to promising applicants from other majors.
3. Assistantship Deadline
Students wishing to be considered for teaching assistantships, fellowships or scholarships must submit a complete application packet by February 1. All completed application packets received on or before February 1 will be considered for teaching assistantships.
4. International Students
- The TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam can substitute for the GRE.
- See information in the International Admission section on this web site.
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
Teaching Assistantships
Six teaching assistantships are available to philosophy graduate students (five are for instructional assistance in philosophy; one is for instruction in English composition). These are awarded on a competitive basis annually and may be renewed for a second year contingent on satisfactory performance in the program and the assistant position. Except in rare circumstances, assistantships are reserved for students pursing the M.A. in Environmental Philosophy.
In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a tuition fee waiver (in-state or out-of-state). Certain other student fees remain the responsibility of the student. Teaching assistants are required to register for a minimum of 6 credits each semester; 9 credits is considered full-time.
Grader Positions
The department has several grader positions open to qualified students. These positions are available each semester for work in introductory philosophy courses at an hourly wage. Contact the department office for further information.
Department website
Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building, Room 101
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #5780
Missoula, MT 59812-5780
Fax: (406) 243-5313
Department Contacts
Deborah Slicer, Graduate Advisor
(406) 243-2527
deborah.slicer@umontana.edu
Laura Jones Lofink, Office Manager
(406) 243-2949
laura.joneslofink@umontana.edu
Paul Muench, Chair
(406) 243-2351
paul.muench@umontana.edu
Updated 08/12
