Overview

The Philosophy programme at George Mason University provides students with a sophisticated environment to explore fundamental questions regarding existence, ethics, and human knowledge. This curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and enhance the ability to construct complex logical arguments within a scholarly framework.

By engaging with diverse philosophical traditions, participants develop the intellectual agility required to address contemporary global challenges. The department fosters a collaborative atmosphere where postgraduate researchers can refine their analytical techniques and contribute to modern academic discourse through rigorous investigation.

Why Philosophy at George Mason University?

The institution is recognised for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and its vibrant intellectual community. Students benefit from a faculty dedicated to diverse areas of enquiry, ranging from traditional metaphysics to applied ethics in public policy and technology.

The university provides extensive resources to support advanced study, including specialised library collections and research centres. This environment encourages students to apply philosophical methodology to real-world issues, preparing them for high-level roles in academia, law, and public service.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on core areas of philosophical thought and advanced research methodologies. Modules may include:

Ethical Theory
Epistemology
Metaphysics
Symbolic Logic
Social and Political Philosophy
History of Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Mind

Careers with Philosophy

Graduates from this programme are equipped with highly transferable skills in critical analysis, communication, and ethical reasoning. These competencies are highly valued across a broad range of professional sectors including education, legal services, and governmental organisations.

Common career paths for alumni include roles in policy analysis, non-profit management, and corporate consultancy. Many students also choose to progress into doctoral research, pursuing academic careers or specialised roles in bioethics and technological governance within international institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Aristotle: Selected Works

Figures and Topics in Ancient Philosophy

Postmodernist Thought

Special Topics in Contemporary Philosophy

Contemporary Philosophical Figures

Phenomenology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

31 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy View 219 other Masters in Philosophy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants to the MA program in PHIL, including all concentrations, must have completed certain undergraduate preparation coursework with grades of B or higher in each course.
1 one-semester course in ancient Western (Greek, Roman) philosophy (GMU equivalent: PHIL 301); plus 1 one-semester course in modern Western philosophy (GMU equivalent: PHIL 303); plus 1 one-semester course in logic (GMU equivalent: PHIL 173 or PHIL 376).
An applicant with a baccalaureate degree who has not met all admission requirements may, at the discretion of the department, be offered provisional admission if sufficient evidence is presented to suggest the applicant has the ability to pursue graduate work.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

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Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

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