Thesis option

Students take a total of 30 semester credit hours (ten courses), including 6 hours of PHIL 5950 . At least 18 hours (six courses) must be taken in the Department of Philosophy and Religion; 6 hours (two courses) may be taken outside of the department. Outside 

In consultation with their major professor, students will enroll in 6 hours of PHIL 5950  while preparing a Master’s Thesis.

Non-thesis option

Students take a total of 30 semester credit hours (10 courses). At least 24 hours (8 courses) must be taken in the Department of Philosophy and Religion; up to 6 hours (two courses) may be taken outside of the department.

Terminal MA students in this core will take a capstone course instead of a thesis as their required “culminating experience.” Students will work with a departmental faculty member to design a PHIL 5900 MA Capstone course. Student and instructor will submit a syllabus and work with the DGS to create the 3-credit-hour section and ensure that the student is enrolled prior to the semester. The capstone course provides an opportunity for the student to synthesize key ideas learned throughout their program, and it allows the student to demonstrate their expertise in a chosen field of study.

As with any Special Problems course, the student and instructor will conduct regular meetings throughout the semester in order to discuss the selected readings and other course materials. The required term paper for the Capstone, however, will be graded by a committee of three departmental faculty members – the instructor of record and two others of their choosing.

In the event of a failing grade on the Capstone term paper, the instructor of record may choose to allow students one re-write opportunity. 

Pass-through option

Available only to students pursuing a PhD in Philosophy at UNT. Students take a total of 30 semester credit hours (ten courses). At least 24 hours (eight courses) must be taken in the Department of Philosophy and Religion; up to 6 hours (two courses) may be taken outside of the department. After completing 27 hours of course work, students will enroll in 3 hours of PHIL 5900 Special Problems  as a capstone course. The capstone course is open to students taking the pass-through MA option; terminal MA students may also elect for a capstone course instead of a thesis as their required culminating experience.