Applied Philosophy and Ethics (M.A.)
M.A. Applied Philosophy and Ethics
Program Overview
Dialogue, essential to any practical application of philosophy, is at the heart of the M.A.A.P.E. 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.
Course Work
Each course in the M.A.A.P.E. 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 M.A.A.P.E. students can enroll concurrently in a 12-hour program leading to a graduate certificate in professional ethics.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.A. | Hours 30 | Thesis Option Thesis | Location San Marcos |
Degree M.A. | Hours 33 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
M.A.A.P.E. students participate in regional and national Ethics Bowl competitions, the Philosophy Symposium, the Graduate Student Research Conference 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. M.A.A.P.E. 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.
Career Options
Graduates of the M.A.A.P.E. 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.
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 M.A.A.P.E. 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.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
-
For Entry Prior to Summer 2026
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard June 15 (*Flexible) June 1 Spring October 15 (*Flexible) October 1 Summer I April 15 (*Flexible) March 15 Summer II June 1 (*Flexible) No Admission *This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
-
Effective for Summer 2026 Entry and Beyond
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard August 1 June 1 Spring - Priority September 1 September 1 Spring - Standard November 1 October 1 Summer I - Priority January 1 January 1 Summer I - Standard May 1 March 15 Summer II - Priority January 1 No Admission Summer II - Standard June 1 No Admission
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission 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
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
-
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. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 3.0 overall GPA or a 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.
-
Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets 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
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
Review important information about official test scores.
-
Documents
- statement of purpose (one page)
- two letters of recommendation
- writing sample
Review important information about documents.