About Master’s Program,
There are two tracks in the M.A. program. The thesis track requires 24 hours of coursework plus 6 hours of thesis, and culminates in the writing and oral defense of a formal master’s thesis. Alternatively, the non-thesis track requires completion of 33 hours of graduate course work and a final oral exam over the general topic of the student’s best philosophy graduate paper (or over an independently written master’s report).
The Master of Arts program in Philosophy permits students to pursue graduate studies with an emphasis that reflects their particular interests and backgrounds. There is a distribution requirement: by the time of graduation, a student must take (i) one course in metaphysics and/or epistemology , (ii) one course in value theory, and (iii) one course in the History of Philosophy. Specific lists of the courses that qualify for these requirements can be obtained here.
Another distinctive feature of the Texas Tech philosophy M.A. program is its optional interdisciplinary component. Up to one third of the student’s course work may consist of graduate courses in disciplines other than philosophy. (These courses may be counted toward advanced degrees in other disciplines as well as toward the philosophy M.A. Double counting these courses makes it easier to obtain a philosophy M.A. along with another postgraduate degree.)
A full graduate course load is 9 or 12 graduate hours per semester. Thus, it is possible to complete the philosophy M.A. program in three semesters although most students complete the program in approximately two years of full-time enrollment.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
dmission to the M.A. Program in Philosophy is based upon the holistic consideration of several factors: the transcripts; GRE scores; letters of recommendation; writing sample; and any other materials relevant to the application. Such materials might include evidence of commitment to philosophy, high motivation, multilingual proficiency, work and life experience, and community involvement.
Successful candidates have usually had a GPA of at least 3.0 over the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study and GRE scores of at least 160 (verbal), 148 (quantitative), and 5.0 (writing). Students with lower GPAs and GRE scores have been admitted if their other credentials indicated likelihood of success in our graduate program. No single criterion is decisive. In particular, no numerical cut-offs are used to disqualify applicants.
An undergraduate major or minor in Philosophy is not always required. Applicants with little background in philosophy may be admitted if other aspects of their credentials merit it, and under the provision that they complete appropriate leveling coursework.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
Teaching Assistantships are provided to almost all students admitted to the program. The philosophy department typically awards 9 or 10 Teaching Assistantships each year. Stipends are commensurate with duties. The standard TA stipend is $15,000. (Lubbock’s low cost of living allows this stipend to stretch further than one might initially expect.) Teaching Assistantships also include tuition and fee waivers that cover 85% of the entire cost of tuition and fees. Additional fellowship support of up to $5,000 per year may also be available.
The typical duties of a teaching assistant are to grade papers, hold office hours, and sometimes to lead discussion sections. During their second year, teaching assistants may be given full responsibility for teaching a class. The Philosophy Department sometimes provides additional teaching opportunities during the summer for more experienced teaching assistants. Teaching assistants are provided with a computer-equipped office, Xeroxing privileges, and use of a pleasant conference room/lounge. Teaching assistants must register for at least 9 graduate or undergraduate hours each semester that they are under contract.
All applicants are automatically considered for a teaching assistantship. For full consideration, please apply by Feb 1. Admissions and teaching assistantships are awarded competitively to domestic and international applicants. However, we ask that eligible domestic students additionally complete a financial aid application (FAFSA) with their application. The FAFSA does not impact admission or funding decisions, but is important for allocating funds after admission. For forms or further information consult the Financial Aid Office.
Outstanding applicants to the philosophy M.A. program are considered for Texas Tech’s prestigious $5,000 per annum recruitment fellowship. In addition, the Philosophy Department offers several scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 annually on a competitive basis to undergraduate and graduate students.
Application Requirement,
First, complete the Graduate School application accessible through this link. In your application, you will need to provide (a) transcripts of all previous college work, (b) GRE scores (GRE scores are not required for applications for Fall 2025), (c) application fee ($75), (d) two letters of recommendation from former instructors, (e) a writing sample that best presents your philosophical ability, (f) a personal statement indicating your background and particular interests in studying philosophy, and any other relevant materials to the Graduate School. Note: Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly from referees and should be written on professional letterhead.
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
Non-refundable application fee (Required) – $75 initial application fee, or $25 for each subsequent application in the same term.
