Since 1979, when the Philosophy Department at Bowling Green State University began teaching its MA in Applied Philosophy, its graduate program has occupied a unique place in North American philosophy. This uniqueness was augmented in 1990 by the addition of a PhD program, also in Applied Philosophy, which remains the only one of its kind. This is not to say that only Applied Philosophy is taught here. A graduate student at Bowling Green will receive a well-rounded education in all of the traditional areas of philosophy as well.
The department encourages graduate students to undertake cross-disciplinary studies whenever courses in other departments and programs bear on their research. The Department has curricular ties of one kind or another to several departments and cross-disciplinary programs.
A variety of topics in applied ethics can better be understood if the theoretical approaches and empirical results of other disciplines are taken into account. Students working in environmental ethics might benefit from studying related issues in courses in environmental policy, for example. Students in medical ethics might want to take courses in public health. Courses in Women’s Studies are relevant to work in many areas of moral philosophy.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Philosophy are expected to be able to:
- Comprehend difficult historical and contemporary philosophical texts.
- Demonstrate mastery of important philosophical concepts and methods in both oral and written contexts.
- Critically evaluate philosophical arguments.
- Formulate appropriate research questions.
- Investigate and synthesize the literature relevant to selected research questions.
- Develop, construct, and defend original research (to professional standards).
Admission Requirements
Documents required:
- Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Statement of Purpose
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Writing Sample
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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