Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Philosophy - Social at Loyola University Chicago is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Loyola University Chicago. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in humanities & arts, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in humanities & arts.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Loyola University Chicago.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Humanities & Arts.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
MA in Social Philosophy Career Connections
Most students in the MA in Social Philosophy program are Jesuit Scholastics who are completing the program as part of their formation as Jesuits. Upon completion of the program they are placed into their positions by the Society of Jesus. As a non-Jesuit graduate of the program, you will be positioned for any number of future professional and academic paths. The program will give you the necessary foundation for specialized research at the doctoral level as well as additional master’s-level work in other disciplines like English, theology, and history, among others.
Specific job options include:
Professional roles and academic pursuits by recent graduates of the MA in Social Philosophy program include:
- Law student, Tulane Law School
- Freelance writer
- Jesuit regent instructor
- Teacher of theology
- Associate campus minister
- Research subject advocate/regulatory compliance officer
- Assistant chaplain
- English teacher
- Community organizer
- Theologian
- Coordinator of Asian/Pacific Islander initiatives
- PhD student
- Spanish teacher
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center , as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Program Curriculum
Program Structure
The MA in Social Philosophy can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Classes are held at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus , located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan in a diverse and dynamic residential area. The master's in social philosophy is a 10-course, 30-credit-hour program that includes courses in moral philosophy, social philosophy, and five electives that can be chosen from a wide variety of topics.
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Philosophy: Social Philosophy MA include:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- 3.0 Minimum GPA
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample
Prerequisite Standing Requirements
Students who enter the program must be sufficiently familiar with the history and general methodology of philosophy to complete courses and other requirements successfully.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals. Please note there is a writing sample requirement that needs to be completed in addition to this section.
Writing Sample Details
A research paper or sample of what you regard as your strongest written work in philosophy or a related field. While there is no set page limit, writing samples are typically no shorter than 4,500 words and no longer than 10,000 words.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 1,033/year (international)
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates . Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship , offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
Program Credit Hours Cost Per Credit Hour Estimated Tuition and Fees Philosophy: Social Philosophy MA 30 $1,270.00 $ 38100 .00
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
The Graduate School Funding Opportunities
Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Loyola University Chicago. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Loyola University Chicago may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, United States
Loyola University Chicago is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-02-01
- Start Date 2018-08-29
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)