An M.A. in Environmental Philosophy can stand on its own or can be used as preparation for work in fields such as environmental law, policy, or community activism. 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 Center for Ethics and Public Affairs. There is a continual stream of 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 given the opportunity to complete an internship with one of the several local and national environmental organizations located in Missoula. 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. |
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 an environmental organization or government agency (PHL 598, 3 credits)
(h) Thesis (PHL 599, 4 credits)
2. 9 credits must be in:(a) Ecological Perspectives in Native American Traditions (NAS 596, 3 credits). Students may petition to substitute an alternative course that addresses a nonwestern tradition.
(b) Applied Ecology (ENSC 596, 3 credits)
(c) Elective (3 credits). This course must be approved by the Graduate Adviser and may be a philosophy course or a course taken outside of 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.
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 503 or 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 Adviser).
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.
A complete application including letters of recommendation must be received by February 10th and GRE's must be taken by January 15th to be considered for a teaching assistantship.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site. If you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship, be sure to indicate your interest in your application.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Philosophy requires the following materials:
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.
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on this web site.
Five teaching assistantships are available to philosophy graduate students (four 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. 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). Teaching assistants are required to register for 9 credits each semester.
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.
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Philosophy |
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Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building, Room 101
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #5780
Missoula, MT 59812-5780
Department Contact
Laura Jones Lofink (406) 243-2949
Fax: (406) 243-5313
laura.joneslofink@umontana.edu
Graduate Adviser
Deborah Slicer
(406) 243-2527
deborah.slicer@umontana.edu
