Philosophy Dalhousie University

Overview

Dalhousie University 's Master of Arts (MA) in Philosophy programme is small and selective. There are typically six to ten graduate students in the programme at any given time. This means you can receive personalized attention and pursue courses tailored to your individual interests. 

The programme is designed for students enrolled in the four-year Canadian honours BA in Philosophy or the equivalent. Students will traditionally take three classes during each of the fall and winter terms, and write a thesis during the summer term following classes. All graduate students participate in undergraduate instruction through assistantships and/or instructorships.

A distinguishing feature of the department is its strong commitment to public philosophy. Faculty members actively contribute to public discourse through policy documents, amicus curiae briefs, and media outreach. Their work has been featured on platforms such as Impact Ethics, The Conversation, and the Hastings Bioethics Forum. Members of the department also regularly participate in interviews, public lectures, and panel discussions, helping to bridge academic philosophy with broader societal concerns.

About half of our MA graduates choose to continue their studies in philosophy, and nearly all go on to strong PhD programmes in Canada or the United States including: Alberta, Calgary, McGill, Toronto, Queen's, Western Ontario, UBC, York, Columbia, Connecticut, Cornell, DUNY, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, North Carolina, Rochester, Rutgers, and Syracuse.

Possible careers include:

• Professor or teacher  

• Lawyer

• Physician 

• Diplomat

Programme options

• Thesis: Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.