MAIS in the Philosophy Department
NOTE: Effective January 1, 2003, the Philosophy Department will no longer admit students to the MAIS program for all terms. Admission will be for fall term only.
The Philosophy Department participates in the Masters of Arts in interdisciplinary Studies, (MAIS), an interdisciplinary master's degree. Our program is intended for students with an undergraduate major or minor in Philosophy. The degree consists of 45 credits, including thesis or project, which are distributed among three fields. There are two application deadlines. A student who applies as a philosophy major and who has an exemplary record may make early application by January 15th. In this case, at its discretion, the department will apply for funding from various sources through the Graduate School. Deadline for all applications is April 15th for admission the following fall term.
There are a variety of ways in which Philosophy can be involved in the interdisciplinary master's degree:
(1) Philosophy can be both the major field and one of the minor fields, with a second minor from outside of philosophy. For example, a student may select an MAIS in Applied Ethics: This program's strength involves examination of ethical issues and challenges, particularly as presented by advancements in science and technology. It includes core courses in ethical theory and philosophy, an applied ethics concentration (Ethics and the Natural Resources, or Ethics and the Professions), and courses in a complementary discipline (e.g., Sociology). A thesis or project is required. Seminars are offered in a range of philosophical topics and some courses are linked to the Philosophy Department lecture series, "Ideas Matter." The Philosophy Department supports the Program of Ethics, Science, and the Environment (PESE) which offers brown bag discussions in applied ethics, and other activities of interest to graduate students.
(2) Other MAIS Programs with a Philosophy Major and a Philosophy Minor: Students with other interests in philosophy may pursue a program of study which couples the Philosophy graduate core courses with concentrations for which sufficient courses are available (e.g., some areas of Religious Studies).
(3) Philosophy as the major field but with two minors from outside of Philosophy. There are multiple ways in which a graduate student may create a program with a Philosophy major and two minors outside the department. For example, a student may choose Philosophy as a major field, typically 15-21 credits, and Women Studies and Anthropology as minors.
(4) Philosophy as two minor fields, with a major outside of Philosophy.
(5) As a single minor field, with the major and one minor from outside of Philosophy.
For information about the MAIS program at Oregon State University. For information on applying to the MAIS program at Oregon State University.
Please note: In addition to the requirements listed by the Office of Admissions, please also include a writing sample of 5 - 7 pages in length with your application to the Philosophy Department.
For further information about Graduate Study in Philosophy at OSU, contact:
Prof. Lani Roberts
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Philosophy
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-2955
Fax: 541-737-2571
email: lroberts@oregonstate.edu