Overview
The Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies (MAPS) is a graduate degree program of Mount St. Mary’s College of Liberal Arts. It provides an opportunity for advanced study of philosophy, emphasizing both the history of philosophy and major topical areas, with attention to how these inform and are informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.
The Mount St. Mary’s philosophy faculty share a common vision of the compatibility of faith and reason and the integrity of philosophy as a truth-seeking discipline distinct from theology.
The MAPS program is designed to be compatible with the philosophical education included in the two-year pre-theology program of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, but the program is not limited to seminary students. Any prospective student who meets the eligibility requirements may apply.
Program Objectives
Students who complete the MAPS program will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key philosophical concepts, theories, and schools
- Apply philosophical concepts and theories to contemporary situations
- Articulate an understanding of the relation between faith and reason in the Catholic philosophical tradition
- Present an effective and sustained written argument for a philosophically significant thesis
- Demonstrate intellectual humility in approaching contested issues
- Integrate philosophical knowledge and skills with intellectual and spiritual formation
MAPS Admission Requirements
Applicants to the MAPS program must:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- Give evidence of academic ability, normally an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Seminary students, in addition to the above criteria, must have the written permission of the seminary academic dean.
In exceptional circumstances, the Provost may waive one or more of these requirements.
MAPS Tuition (2019-2020 Academic Year)
MAPS $550 per credit
Application Process
Application forms are available from, and should be returned to, the program director. The application deadline for non-seminarians to begin classes in the Fall is August 1; in the Spring, December 1.
Transfer of Graduate Credits
Up to six credits may be accepted in transfer toward this degree, at the program director’s discretion. The program director will consider for transfer only those credits taken at the graduate level, or taken in excess of bachelor’s degree requirements. Non-academic courses (seminars, workshops, symposia) are not acceptable for transfer credit. Students must have earned a grade of at least B in each transferred course. Grades earned in transferred courses are not calculated in the student’s grade point average. Transfer courses must be compatible with the graduate program curriculum. Students interested in transferring credits should speak to the program director.
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