Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Philosophy
The Master of Arts degree program in philosophy at Kent State University offers intensive, in-depth study of philosophy, with particular attention to the diversity and plurality of philosophical methods, perspectives, and modes of analysis, and their relation to other disciplines. Most of our graduate students pursue one of the following goals:
- doctoral work in philosophy
- a terminal Master's degree in philosophy
- supplementing and enhancing their work in other disciplines
The graduate program stresses both breadth and depth and offers students the option of a thesis or a non-thesis research project as a culminating experience. For more information, see the Program Requirements and the Program Overview pages.
Annual Kent State University, May 4th, Philosophy Graduate Student Conference
The M.A. program introduces students to the practices of philosophy beyond reading texts and writing papers. The Department of Philosophy at Kent State University hosts the annual Kent State University, May 4th, Philosophy Graduate Student Conference. The graduate student conference is conceived, planned, and organized by philosophy graduate students. Planning for the conference includes a national call for papers soliciting submissions from graduate students in philosophy graduate programs from across the country and Canada. In addition to presentations by graduate students, the conference features a keynote speaker. Recent keynote speakers include: Fred Evans, Jaakko Hintikka, Charles Scott, Larry Hickman, John Lachs, and Donn Welton. Papers are posted in an online program available at the conference website.
Guest Speakers and Lectures:
In addition to the annual philosophy graduate student conference, the department hosts guest speakers in annual lecture series. See the Current Events page for current speakers. Recent Veroni lecturers include Elizabeth Anderson, David Schmidtz, Richard Bernstein, David Wong, and Robert Brandom. The Matchette Lecture series (sponsored by the Franklin J. Matchette Foundation) has hosted John Stuhr, John Lachs, Nicholas Rescher, and Robert C. Solomon. Other recent guest speakers include Anthony Appiah, Donald Davidson, David Gauthier, Susan Haack, Sandra Harding, Daphne Patai, and Gregory Pence.