KU Creates Accelerated Master's Program in Philosophy

LAWRENCE – A new accelerated program will allow advanced students at the University of Kansas to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy in just five years.

The accelerated master’s program in philosophy is the only such degree offering in Kansas and bordering states. The Department of Philosophy developed the program in response to student interest.

The program will open opportunities for students to complete advanced studies, such as a doctorate in philosophy or a law degree. Admission to highly competitive doctoral programs in philosophy increasingly requires completion of a master’s degree at another institution. KU’s program offers a rigorous curriculum at a more affordable cost than private institutions.

Study in philosophy is a common choice for pre-law students as well. For example, KU alumna Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC, completed an undergraduate degree in philosophy before attending the KU School of Law.

“This program is designed to provide our best undergraduate philosophy students with an affordable, efficient and highly focused graduate degree,” said John Symons, chair and professor in the Department of Philosophy. “In addition to being well-prepared for admission to top Ph.D. and law schools, education in analytic philosophy, such as logic and decision theory, provides a strong competitive advantage for graduates in the wider labor market.”

Students in the program will complete a bachelor’s degree in four years and a master’s degree in one year. To be admitted, students must complete a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, maintain a 3.5 GPA in that major and maintain a 3.5 GPA in the first semester of the master’s degree year. Students start the program the fall or spring semester immediately following their graduation date.

For more information, contact the Department of Philosophy by philos@ku.edu or 785-864-3976.

The Department of Philosophy is in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which encourages learning without boundaries in its more than 50 departments, programs and centers. Through innovative research and teaching, the College emphasizes interdisciplinary education, global awareness and experiential learning. The College is KU's broadest, most diverse academic unit.