Graduate Programs
General Information
The department's M.A. program serves two different communities of students. First, it serves those who desire the preparation an M.A. provides before seeking admission to a Ph.D. program. Second, it serves those who seek the M.A. as a terminal degree to advance their chosen careers.
There are three distinct tracks leading to the M.A. in philosophy: the traditional track, the Neurophilosophy track, and the J.D./M.A. track. The traditional program is designed for those who plan to seek the Ph.D. in philosophy or have a general interest in philosophy. Students who are interested in the philosophical implications of current empirical work in neuroscience should pursue the Neurophilosophy track. The J.D./M.A. track, offered in conjunction with the College of Law at Georgia State University, allows students to receive the M.A. in philosophy and the J.D. in four years instead of the five which would normally be required.
The department offers over 40 graduate courses that cover a broad variety of topics. For full information on the faculty's areas of particular strength see the Faculty Page.
Student Life
Georgia State University is a public institution with more than 27,000 students. Its graduate student population of over 8,000 is one of the largest in the Southeast. Students come from throughout the United States and a number of other countries. The department's 50 graduate students come from across the U.S. and from many different countries. They are encouraged to take an active role in the department. Some develop joint research projects with faculty members. Many work closely with faculty members as research assistants. Each spring the department sponsors a philosophy conference, in which students can play an active role.
The Georgia State philosophy department (along with the Center for Ethics and the Brains & Behavior Program) regularly attracts top-notch philosophers to give talks. Since 2002, our visitors have included people such as Ned Block, David Chalmers, Paul Churchland, John Cooper, Steven Darwall, Jerry Fodor, Frances Kamm, Brian Leiter, Jeff McMahan, Martha Nussbaum, Onora O'Neill, Geoff Sayre-McCord, Ernest Sosa, and Nicholas Sturgeon.
Location
The University is located two blocks from the central business district of Atlanta. The city is a rapidly growing metropolitan area characterized by modern buildings and a diverse population. Atlanta is the distribution and airline center of the South and has recently become a gateway to Europe. It is located in the foothills of the southern Appalachian range and is close to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
The High Museum of Art, the Woodruff Memorial Arts Center, the Atlanta Symphony, the Atlanta Ballet, and numerous other groups continue to make Atlanta the cultural center of the South. Atlanta also has several professional sports teams.
Housing
Georgia State University has a nonresidential campus located in downtown Atlanta at the center of a network of highways and rapid-transit services extending throughout the greater metropolitan area. This transportation network makes it possible to live anywhere in the metropolitan area and get to Georgia State easily. The cost of living in Atlanta is moderate compared with that in other urban centers in the United States.
The department has put together some tips on finding housing for incoming graduate students.
