MA in Philosophy and Social Policy

GW’s MA in Public Policy with a concentration in Philosophy and Social Policy addresses questions of public policy from a humanistic perspective. Through small classes, students apply the normative, historical and logical tools of philosophical inquiry to today’s policy issues. And through case studies, they analyze the underlying concepts and implications of policies relating to welfare programs, access to health care, the environment, health and safety, human rights and equal opportunity.

While most policy programs train students to be quantitative analysts, our program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach. In addition to philosophy and policy material, MA students choose from a wide variety of courses in the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA) and interact closely with graduate students from all over the university. Many pursue internships in think tanks and government agencies, often leading to full-time positions upon graduation.

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Program Highlights

Part-time or full-time options available, and evening classes designed to accommodate working professionals.
Customizable curriculum tailored to professional and academic ambitions.
Undergraduate degree in philosophy not required

Networking opportunities through social events and lectures both on campus and around Washington, D.C.
Non-thesis option leading to the degree.
Strong foundation for students pursuing a PhD in public policy and other social sciences or humanities.

History

A version of the Philosophy and Social Policy Program option has been offered continuously since the mid-1970s, when it was titled the Master of Arts in Special Studies. The program is administered by a committee within the Philosophy Department. While the committee cooperates closely with TSPPPA, curricular and admissions decisions are decided by the Philosophy Department.

Course Requirements

This Bulletin covers the degree requirements for students matriculating in the current academic year. Students who matriculated before the current year can find their requirements in the relevant archived Bulletin.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

Thesis and non-thesis options are available at the discretion of the faculty. Thesis option—36 credits, including 24 credits in required coursework, 6 credits in elective courses, and 6 credits in thesis; non-thesis option—36 credits, including 24 credits in required coursework and 12 credits in elective courses.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required
Four graduate Philosophy (PHIL) seminars.
One course from each of the following areas of study, to be selected in consultation with the academic advisor:
Applied policy—example courses:
PPPA 6066	U.S. Environmental Policy
PPPA 6069	Science and U.S. Public Policy
PSC 8212	Urban Policy Problems
Economics—example courses:
ECON 6217	Survey of Economics I
ECON 6237	Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
PPPA 6003	Economics for Public Decision Making
PPPA 6007	Microeconomics for Public Policy I
Policy analysis—example courses:
HIST 6011	Reading and Research in History and Public Policy
PPPA 6006	Policy Analysis
PPPA 6011	Politics and Policy Analysis
PSC 6103	Approaches to Public Policy Analysis
SOC 6248	Race and Urban Redevelopment
WGSS 6240	Gender and Public Policy
WGSS 6265	Gender, Welfare, and Poverty
Research methods—example course:
PPPA 6002	Research Methods and Applied Statistics
Required for the thesis option
PHIL 6999	Thesis Research (taken twice for a total of 6 credits)
Electives
6 credits in elective courses for thesis, 12 credits for non-thesis.
Electives can focus on a particular policy area (e.g., biomedical/healthcare, urban/welfare, or environmental policy) or they can explore varied approaches and policy issues.