While earning a Master's degree in philosophy from our department, there are two options available:

to write a master's thesis towards the end or just after completing all required course work

to write a comprehensive examination towards the end or just after completing all required course work

For ?the thesis option:

24 hours of courses (a typical graduate course is 3 hours) plus at least 6 hours of thesis work (Philosophy 500). Permission may be granted to include a limited number of courses outside of philosophy.

Of the non-thesis hours, ?at least 2/3 must be in courses numbered 500 or higher

For the non-thesis option:

30 hours of courses, of which at least 2/3 must be in courses numbered 500 or higher

A culminating academic experience, normally presentation of a paper at a professional meeting or a departmental colloquium. (This may precede passage of the exam.)