Program Overview

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Denver offers an MA in philosophy but only when done through the University's flexible dual degree program in conjunction with an MA in Religious Studies.

The philosophy faculty places a strong emphasis on research and personal interaction with students. Our program is designed to meet the needs of two kinds of students--those wishing to prepare for doctoral work in philosophy and those seeking an individualized course of study with a more interdisciplinary focus. Areas of concentration include: the history of Western thought, interpretive and critical theory, practical philosophy, meta-philosophy, and studies in creative and critical reasoning about human nature and values.

Dual Degree Requirements

• 75 quarter hours of course work (divided 45/30 among the two departments) planned in conjunction with advisors from both departments.
• A comprehensive exam over the history of Western philosophy. 
• A portfolio paper approved by a committee of three department faculty. 
• An oral defense covering both the comprehensive exam on the history of philosophy and the portfolio paper. 
• A comprehensive exam dealing with the 5 major religious traditions and a topic selected in advance by the graduate student.

Admissions Requirements

An undergraduate major in Philosophy is desirable, but talented students from other areas will be considered for admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required. International applicants must also provide a TOEFL score of 550 or higher. Students may not attain regular student status before taking the GRE's. Students must also be accepted for an MA in Religious Studies and be matriculated through the flexible dual degree program.

Contact Information

RLGS Graduate Advisor: Dr. Carl Raschke @ 303-871-3206 (craschke@du.edu)
PHIL Graduate Advisor: Dr. Frank Seeburger @ 303-871-2766 (fseeburg@du.edu)
Philosophy Department: 303-671-2063