The Master of Arts in Philosophy is a two-year
degree designed for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies, or who
desire a firm grounding in the core issues of their chosen area of
study.
The MA (Phil) program begins with foundational courses in biblical studies and reformational philosophy, and concludes with an oral defense of the written thesis. Junior members (students) complete a total of ten semester courses (including the two foundational courses and one interdisciplinary seminar), do a guided reading in the thesis area, and write a master’s thesis. Other courses are chosen in consultation with a faculty mentor. They include an emphasis in one of the following six interdisciplinary clusters:
The thesis is a major paper of 17,000 – 25,000 words. It demonstrates that the junior member can work competently in his or her area of emphasis. An oral examination occurs at the completion of the thesis. It is conducted by the thesis committee, plus an external examiner, and includes an exploration of surrounding and supporting knowledge. |