The Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies (MAPS) provides an opportunity for advanced study of philosophy, emphasizing both the history of philosophy and major topical areas, with attention to how these inform and are informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.

The Mount’s philosophy faculty share a common vision of the compatibility of faith and reason and the integrity of philosophy as a truth-seeking discipline distinct from theology.

The MAPS program is designed to be compatible with the philosophical education included in the two-year pre-theology program of the Mount’s Seminary, but the program is not limited to seminary students. Any prospective student who meets the eligibility requirements may apply.

Coursework covers the following topics:

  • Moral Philosophy
  • Natural Theology
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Medieval Philosophy
  • Modern Philosophy
  • Contemporary Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Knowledge
  • Metaphysics

All MAPS courses are offered during normal business hours Monday-Friday on the Emmitsburg Campus. No evening, weekend, or Frederick Campus MAPS courses are available.

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Admissions Requirements

The Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies program is for seminarians and lay students seeking a post baccalaureate degree in philosophy.

Admissions requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
  • Evidence of academic ability, normally with a minimum undergraduate GPA pf 3.0 or higher
  • Seminary students must have written permission from seminary academic dean

Affordability

$18,600
Estimated total cost of program, including tuition and fees*

  • Cost is based on 31 credits (11 classes) at $600 per credit
  • No application fee
  • Students may transfer up to 6 academic credits
  • Students may seek financial assistance though federal and state funded programs, private loan providers, employer tuition remission or reimbursement, or deferment of undergraduate loans

*Tuition and fees represent 2023-24 rates, effective July 1, 2023. Subject to change without notice.

Application Process

Classes begin: Fall and Spring
Admissions: August 1 (fall) & December 1 (spring)
No application fee

A complete application includes:

  • Free online application
  • Official transcript(s) from all accredited institutions attended after high school
  • Letter of Interest and Interview with the Director (non-seminarian applicants only)
For more information:

Christopher Anadale, Ph.D., MAPS program director
Mount St. Mary’s University
College of Liberal Arts
Bradley Administration Building
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

The Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies program is for seminarians and lay students seeking a post baccalaureate degree in philosophy.

Admissions requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
  • Evidence of academic ability, normally with a minimum undergraduate GPA pf 3.0 or higher
  • Seminary students must have written permission from seminary academic dean
Affordability

Affordability

$18,600
Estimated total cost of program, including tuition and fees*

  • Cost is based on 31 credits (11 classes) at $600 per credit
  • No application fee
  • Students may transfer up to 6 academic credits
  • Students may seek financial assistance though federal and state funded programs, private loan providers, employer tuition remission or reimbursement, or deferment of undergraduate loans

*Tuition and fees represent 2023-24 rates, effective July 1, 2023. Subject to change without notice.

Application Process

Application Process

Classes begin: Fall and Spring
Admissions: August 1 (fall) & December 1 (spring)
No application fee

A complete application includes:

  • Free online application
  • Official transcript(s) from all accredited institutions attended after high school
  • Letter of Interest and Interview with the Director (non-seminarian applicants only)
For more information:

Christopher Anadale, Ph.D., MAPS program director
Mount St. Mary’s University
College of Liberal Arts
Bradley Administration Building
16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727