Applied Philosophy and Ethics
Dialogue, essential to any practical application of philosophy, is at the heart of the master of arts in applied philosophy and ethics (MAAPE) program. Students apply theory by participating in the Department of Philosophy’s Dialogue Series. The series includes student and faculty presenters from all eight colleges on campus, as well as speakers from off campus.
Students acquire skills of analysis, argumentation, and dialogue, allowing them to pinpoint solutions to ethical, social, and political problems.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more.
If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following:
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Anthony Cross
anthony.cross@txstate.edu
512.245.1532
Nueces (NUEC), Room 208
“The MAAPE program has played a pivotal role in the development of my critical reasoning, writing and communication skills. The stimulating classes have provided invaluable exposure to complex, well-reasoned and sometimes conflicting perspectives which have influenced the person I’ve become and the person I strive to be.”
— Quique Montemayor, M.A. ’16
Course Work
Each course in the MAAPE program contributes to the development of skills of argumentation, analysis, dialogue, and theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Students must also select a specific group of classes oriented toward their career goals in a discipline other than philosophy. Students may choose between a non-thesis track (33 hours) or a thesis track (30 hours). The thesis track is designed especially for those who plan to advance to doctoral studies. Students who choose the thesis track will write a thesis under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in the Philosophy Department. All MAAPE students can enroll concurrently in a 12-hour program leading to a graduate certificate in professional ethics.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. | 30 | Thesis | No minor |
| M.A. | 33 | Non-Thesis | No minor |
MAAPE students participate in regional and national Ethics Bowl competitions, the Philosophy Symposium, the International Research Conference for Graduate Students and the Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society.
Program Mission
The mission of the Department of Philosophy is to:
- preserve, increase and transmit knowledge of the discipline of philosophy and its applications
- foster critical and moral thinking skills
- support excellence in faculty research and creative activity
- promote public dialogue on matters of significance throughout the university and community
All graduates will be highly trained in critical analysis, independent thought, and ethical inquiry. MAAPE students will have the ability to apply philosophical frameworks to real-world situations and to engage in productive, theoretically informed dialogue in professional and community settings of their choice.
Program Faculty
The expertise of the graduate faculty encompasses key areas of applied philosophy and ethics, including philosophy of technology, biomedical ethics, Latin American philosophy, environmental ethics, religious studies, social and political philosophy, philosophy of law, and gender studies. Faculty are committed to cultivating sustained, innovative research projects, forging interdisciplinary ties, and mentoring MAAPE students. Faculty present their research at national and international conferences and publish books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journal articles in top venues in their field.
Career Options
Graduates of the MAAPE program are qualified for teaching positions in community college settings and may choose to pursue advanced studies in philosophy or related fields. In addition, graduates have taken positions in academic advisement, legal services, international educational outreach, child protective services, and a variety of community organizations.
Application Process
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Application Deadline This program has a flexible deadline, which means applications received after the posted deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with no guarantees for admission consideration. |
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Application Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
GRE Scores
- GRE not required
Documents
- statement of purpose (one page)
- two letters of recommendation
- writing sample
Review important information about documents.
TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
Review important information about official test scores.