1. What is the difference between the MA and the MAIS?
The MA is discipline-based in the Department of Philosophy and is a Master's Degree in Applied Ethics. The MAIS is an interdisciplinary degree, overseen by the Graduate School. For the MAIS, there must be at least two different departments involved, one of which must be in the College of Liberal Arts. It is possible to combine three departments in this degree.
2. What kind of scholarships or graduate assistantships are offered by your department?
The Department of Philosophy has two GTA positions available for each academic year. Each is a 0.2 FTE position and provides a tuition waver and stipend. Applications are requested for these positions each spring for the following year and the decision is made before the end of the academic year.
Please note: We have an early application date of February 2nd so that, for particularly well-qualified applicants, the department can apply for scholarships and fellowships. Information about financial support can be found at: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/grad_school/future/financing.html
3. Does the Philosophy Department accept applications for Fall, Winter and Spring terms?
We accept applications only for fall term for the MA and for those who wish to major in Philosophy for the MAIS degree. We do accept minor applications for the MAIS on an ongoing basis.
4. How can I obtain application materials?
Application information and forms are at: http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/graduate.html
Please be advised that the Philosophy Department requires a 7-10 page writing sample in which you make a claim and support it with reasons. We also would like you to submit academic references, ones that attest to your ability to do graduate level course work successfully.
5. How can I find out about the faculty members and their research interests?
The Philosophy Department web site has individual web pages for each faculty member which tells about each person's research interests, publications and teaching. The link is on the Department home page at: http://oregonstate.edu/cla/philosophy/
6. Do you require the GRE?
No, we do not require the GRE. However, in addition to that information required by Oregon State University, the Philosophy Department requires a writing sample of approximately 6-10 pages wherein you make a claim and support it with reasons.
7. What does the Philosophy Department look for in successful applications?
In brief, we look for students who have a substantial background in Philosophy as undergraduates or post baccalaureate students for the MA and as majors in the MAIS. This will be evidenced through transcripts, letters of recommendation and the writing sample. There is more flexibility as regards the minor in the MAIS degree program. For example, a person may want to concentrate in Religious Studies as a minor in which case, the philosophical background will be of less importance.