Waterloo,
ON,
Canada
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MA in Philosophy in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
|
Waterloo Canada
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
CAD
23,088
(c. USD16,602.3)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months
The Philosophy Department provides multiple undergraduate major and minor options, along with a one-year Master's program and two doctoral tracks: a traditional Philosophy PhD and an innovative Applied Philosophy PhD. Our newly launched Applied Philosophy doctorate emphasizes practical application, examining real-world scenarios and challenges. Additional details are available in our program brochure. Faculty members prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with experts across natural sciences, social sciences, history, mathematics, and engineering. These cross-disciplinary connections foster fresh philosophical insights and enhance our participation in scholarly discourse. We provide robust career support for students pursuing academic positions, alternative academic roles, or non-academic paths. The program particularly welcomes students interested in applying philosophical frameworks beyond traditional academic settings, with alumni entering diverse fields including healthcare, public policy, legal professions, and business sectors.
Our graduate program delivers an intellectually stimulating, challenging, and cooperative environment where you can:
work alongside faculty conducting groundbreaking research
interact dynamically with scholarship from various fields
experience a vibrant yet supportive departmental community
hone professional abilities through specialized workshops
gain insights from distinguished speakers and visiting scholars
contribute to our annual graduate student conference
develop skills for both academic and non-academic career paths
The department features a one-year MA program alongside two doctoral options: the Philosophy PhD and the Applied Philosophy PhD.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.5
Qualification Requirements
The average required for admission is 78%.
From normal undergraduate programs in Philosophy: the normal background for MA students is that provided by the four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University of Waterloo.
International students with qualifications judged to be equivalent to a Canadian Honours BA in philosophy are normally admitted to full graduate student status, but may be required to take certain specific courses in order to rectify deficiencies in background, either as part of or in addition to their regular graduate program.
From a Canadian general BA or equivalent program: students admitted with the three-year Canadian general BA degree or its equivalent will be as qualifying students. A qualifying student is admitted to graduate status but not to a degree program. The qualifying year is a year of work approximately equivalent to the fourth year of an honours program. Students who do well during that year are eligible for admission to full degree status.
From undergraduate programs in fields other than Philosophy: students with some philosophy background but whose degree is in another field are encouraged to apply to the program, typically these students will be considered as transitional students. Transitional students will normally be required to complete selected graduate or undergraduate courses, to be specified in writing at the time the student is recommended for admission, in addition to the usual requirements of the MA program. A transitional student is admitted directly into the MA program and is eligible for financial assistance.
From graduate programs: students who have completed a MA in Philosophy should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. Students who have completed other advanced degrees in Philosophy or who have already completed work at another PhD program may be given advanced status in the PhD program.
Supervisors
Review the finding a supervisor resources
Supplementary information form (SIF)
Statements answering the questions below (at most 250 words for each answer):
Question 1: Please provide a brief statement of interest that outlines the areas of philosophy you hope to pursue in the program.
Question 2: Please explain why the University of Waterloo's Department of Philosophy is a good place to pursue such a project, and why your background makes you well suited to pursue it successfully.
Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completing this form
Transcript(s)
From previous institutions.
At the time of applying, an unofficial transcript is fine, if and when a student is enrolled they will be asked to submit official copies.
Writing sample
A philosophy paper of around 2500 words is desirable, longer and shorter papers are acceptable too, but please don't send anything longer than 5,000 words.
References
Three academic references are required
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
From normal undergraduate programs in Philosophy: the normal background for MA students is that provided by the four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University of Waterloo.
International students with qualifications judged to be equivalent to a Canadian Honours BA in philosophy are normally admitted to full graduate student status, but may be required to take certain specific courses in order to rectify deficiencies in background, either as part of or in addition to their regular graduate program.
From a Canadian general BA or equivalent program: students admitted with the three-year Canadian general BA degree or its equivalent will be as qualifying students. A qualifying student is admitted to graduate status but not to a degree program. The qualifying year is a year of work approximately equivalent to the fourth year of an honours program. Students who do well during that year are eligible for admission to full degree status.
From undergraduate programs in fields other than Philosophy: students with some philosophy background but whose degree is in another field are encouraged to apply to the program, typically these students will be considered as transitional students. Transitional students will normally be required to complete selected graduate or undergraduate courses, to be specified in writing at the time the student is recommended for admission, in addition to the usual requirements of the MA program. A transitional student is admitted directly into the MA program and is eligible for financial assistance.
From graduate programs: students who have completed a MA in Philosophy should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. Students who have completed other advanced degrees in Philosophy or who have already completed work at another PhD program may be given advanced status in the PhD program.
Supervisors
Review the finding a supervisor resources
Supplementary information form (SIF)
Statements answering the questions below (at most 250 words for each answer):
Question 1: Please provide a brief statement of interest that outlines the areas of philosophy you hope to pursue in the program.
Question 2: Please explain why the University of Waterloo's Department of Philosophy is a good place to pursue such a project, and why your background makes you well suited to pursue it successfully.
Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completing this form
Transcript(s)
From previous institutions.
At the time of applying, an unofficial transcript is fine, if and when a student is enrolled they will be asked to submit official copies.
Writing sample
A philosophy paper of around 2500 words is desirable, longer and shorter papers are acceptable too, but please don't send anything longer than 5,000 words.
References
Three academic references are required
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
Tuition
CAD
23,088