Program Modification Form
I Summary of Proposed Changes
Philosophy
Department/program
Change graduate program description, reflecting the Department’s new
Summary
focus on the M.A. in Environmental Philosophy; change the requirements
for the traditional M.A. in Philosophy so that credit and thesis
requirements are in line with the M.A. in Environmental Philosophy.
II Endorsements and Approvals
Please obtain the Program Chair/Director’s approval and Dean’s approval.
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Phone:
Program Chair/Director:
Date
Deborah Slicer,
Philosophy Graduate
Advisor
x2527
Paul Muench
Department Dean
Other affected Programs:
Chris Comer, CAS
(Use additional sheet if needed)
N/A
Are other departments/programs affected by this
Please obtain signature(s) from the
modification because of
Chair/Director of any such department/
(a) required courses incl. prerequisites or corequisites,
program (above) before submission
(b) perceived overlap in content areas
(c) cross-listing of coursework
III Type of Program Modification
(e.g. adding a writing course required of all majors.) Please X check the appropriate box.
Major
Minor
Option
Teaching major/minor
Other
Please
Change graduate program description. Modify degree
Graduate describe
requirements for the traditional M.A. in Philosophy,
increasing required graduation credits from 30 to 36;
reducing thesis length from 60 pages to 30-40 pages;
dropping PHL 503 as a requirement.
IV Catalog Language
If you are proposing a change to an existing program or Please provide the proposed copy as you wish
major, please cut and paste the requirements as they
it to appear in the catalog. 
appear in the current catalog below.
www.umt.edu/catalog 
See attachment #1
See attachment #2
Please explain/justify the new proposal or change. 
The Department of Philosophy offers two graduate degree tracks: (1) a traditional M.A. in Philosophy;
(2) an M.A. in Environmental Philosophy. The Department recently decided to focus on the M.A. in
Environmental Philosophy and plans to devote most of its graduate teaching and assistantship resources
to the support of this degree program. While this will be the Department’s chief focus, a down-sized
version of the traditional M.A. in Philosophy will also be retained. In light of this new focus the
Department has revised its program description and modified the requirements for the traditional M.A. in
Philosophy so that they are more consistent with the M.A. in Environmental Philosophy. Changes include
requiring 36 graduate credits for the degree (versus 30), a 30-40 page thesis (versus 60 pages), and
dropping the required Philosophy 503, Topics in the History of Philosophy, which will only be offered
intermittently in the future. The Department believes these changes will benefit our students in at least
two ways: (1) The increase in required number of credits will give students the opportunity to take more
classes from our faculty, adding to the depth and breadth of their learning experience; (2) the shorter
number of pages required for the thesis will enable students to write a higher quality thesis, providing
them with a more useful document for further graduate work and something they might seek to publish.
V Copies and Electronic Submission
Once approved, the original, a paper copy and an electronic file are submitted to the Faculty Senate
Office, UH 221 (camie.foos@mso.umt.edu).
VI Department Summary Required if several proposals are submitted. In a separate document
list program title and proposed change of all proposals.
Attachment #1: Current Program Description/Requirements (as they appear on the Graduate
School Website)
Program Description
The graduate program in philosophy offers students the opportunity to prepare for Ph.D. study at
another institution, or to study philosophy beyond the baccalaureate level for its own sake. The
program is reasonably broad, encompassing both the analytic and work centered on contemporary
issues. Classes are small; much instruction takes tutorial form. The environmental ethics
emphasis is a particular track through the traditional degree that takes advantage of the
department's and University's expertise in issues related to natural resources and the
environment. Students can declare an intention to enter into the environmental track on their
application.
Program
Degree Offered
Philosophy
M.A.
Degree Offered
M.A. Philosophy
General requirements for the traditional Master of Arts degree, thesis and nonthesis
All candidates must complete 2 credits in PHIL 510, Philosophy Forum Colloquium, and 15
graduate credits in philosophy courses distributed among the following three areas: I. Logic and
Philosophy of Science, Mind, or Language; II. Value Theory; III. History of Philosophy. At least
one 500-level seminar must be taken in each of the three areas. PHIL 501, 502, and 503 fall
respectively under areas I, II, and III. PHIL 504 falls under area II. Identification of areas satisfied
by a given semester's PHIL 505 and by any specific undergraduate course taken for graduate
credit may be obtained from the department. By Graduate School policy, at least half of the
credits submitted for the degree (excluding up to 10 credits for research and thesis) must be taken
at the 500 level.
Requirements for the Master of Arts degree, thesis
A thesis and a minimum of 30 graduate credits must be presented for the degree, including the
core described above in the general requirements, an additional 9 credits in courses other than
PHIL 599, Thesis, and 4 credits in PHIL 599. The thesis will be prepared in consultation with the
student's advisory committee and may take either of two forms: (a) a traditional monograph, or
(b) a portfolio of three papers focused on a single broad theme. A maximum of 3 credits in
courses outside philosophy may be counted toward the degree upon approval of the department.
Requirements for the Master of Arts degree, non-thesis
A minimum of 38 graduate credits must be presented for the degree, including the core described
above in the general requirements. A maximum of 6 credits in courses outside philosophy may be
counted toward the degree upon approval of the department. Additionally, a candidate must pass
an examination in a principal area of philosophy and prepare and defend a research paper. The
research paper will be prepared in consultation with the student's advisory committee. Selection
of the area for examination will be made by the advisory committee in consultation with the
student.
Requirements for the M.A. degree, Environmental Emphasis
Students may earn an M.A. in Philosophy with an emphasis in Environmental Philosophy as
preparation for doctoral work in philosophy or for work in such related fields as environmental
law, policy, or community activism. The program is designed for students with undergraduate
degrees in philosophy. A student with the appropriate professional background wishing to take
this degree while remaining in his or her career may be able to waive up to six of the 36 required
credits. Three of these will be the internship and the other three will depend upon the student's
background. In order to be eligible for this waiver, such a student must satisfy the entire
admissions committee that he or she has adequate preparation in philosophy before being
admitted to the program.
1.) 36 graduate semester credits
2.) 27 credits must be in philosophy
3.) 9 of the 27 philosophy credits must be in (a) Philosophy of Technology [PHIL 501, 3 credits]
and (b) Philosophy of Ecology [PHIL 504, 6 credits]
4.) 6 of the 27 philosophy credits must be in (a) Topics in Value Theory [PHIL 502, 3 credits]
and (b) Philosophy of Science or Philosophy of Biology [PHIL 501, 3 credits]
5.) 3 of the 27 philosophy credits are earned in a supervised internship with an environmental
organization or government agency [PHIL 590, 3 credits]
6.) 2 of the 27 philosophy credits must be in the Philosophy Forum [PHIL 510, 2 credits]
7.) 3 of the 27 philosophy credits must be in Environmental Ethics [PHIL 427E, 3 credits]
8.) 4 of the 27 philosophy credits must be thesis credits [PHIL 599, 4 credits]
9.) 2 of the 27 philosophy credits must be in the philosophy forum [PHIL 510, 2 credits]
10.) The remaining 9 credits must be in (a) nonwestern tradition, preferably in Native American
Studies [NAS 303E, Honors, 3 credits], (b) Applied Ecology [EVST 360, 3 credits], and (c) 3
credits which may be taken inside or outside of the philosophy department with advisor's
approval.
11.) The successful completion and defense of a 30-40 page thesis on a topic in environmental
philosophy.
Admissions
1. Application Materials, Deadlines and Prerequisites
 Fall - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by July 1.
Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space
available basis.
 Spring - Priority will be given to complete application packets postmarked by December
1. Complete application packets received after this date will be considered on a space
available basis.
A complete application including letters of recommendation must be received by February 10th
and GRE's must be taken by January 15th to be considered for a teaching assistantship.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on
this web site. If you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship, be sure to indicate your
interest in your application.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department
of Philosophy requires the following materials:
For the traditional M.A. program -



A letter describing the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate study in philosophy.
A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's philosophical abilities.
Three letters of recommendation.
2. Program Requirements for Admission
Traditional M.A. program:
 Applicants must meet the Graduate School's general requirements for admission.
 While an applicant's baccalaureate degree will typically be in the field of philosophy,
admission may be granted to promising applicants from other majors.
 While the department strongly prefers the GRE, applicants can petition the graduate
officer to substitute the LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT.
 GRE scores need not be from test dates within the five years preceding application - older
scores are acceptable as long as the scores can be verified.
3. International Students
 The requirement for GRE scores may be waived by the department in certain cases of
hardship for international students.
 See information in the International Admission section on this web site.
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on
this website.
Teaching Assistantships
The department currently awards between one and three assistantships each year to the most
qualified students in the M.A. program. Two are for instructional assistance in philosophy, and
one is for instruction in English composition. Teaching assistants are required to register for 9
credits each semester.
A complete application including letters of must be received by February 10th and GRE's must be
taken by January 15th to be considered for a teaching assistantship. You must indicate on your
application if you wish to be considered for a teaching assistanceship.
Grader Positions
The department has several grader positions open to qualified students. These positions are
available each semester for work in lower-level philosophy courses at an hourly wage. Contact
the department office for further information.
Philosophy
Department website
Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building, Room 101
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #5780
Missoula, MT 59812-5780
Department Contact
Laura Jones Lofink (406) 243-2949
Fax: (406) 243-5313
laura.joneslofink@umontana.edu
Graduate Officer
Armond Duwell
armond.duwell@umontana.edu
Attachment #2: Proposed Program Description/Requirements (as these would appear on the
Graduate School Website)
Program Description
The Department of Philosophy offers the Masters of Arts degree. Students choose from two
tracks: (1) M.A. in Environmental Philosophy; (2) M.A. in Philosophy. The department is
particularly strong in environmental philosophy. Our environmental masters track draws on the
department’s expertise in wilderness issues, Thoreau, ecofeminism, bioregionalism, philosophy
of technology, philosophy of ecology, literature and environment, synthetic biology, and climate
ethics. The department offers a second masters track for students who wish to pursue a more
traditional course of study; we consider this a terminal degree rather than one that provides
preparation for a Ph.D. elsewhere. Departmental funding is, except in rare circumstances,
reserved for students in the environmental track.
An M.A. in Environmental Philosophy can stand on its own or can be used as preparation for
work in fields such as environmental law, policy, or community activism. The University of
Montana is an exceptional institution for the study of environmental issues. In addition to a world
class School of Forestry, the University has many highly regarded departments including those in
Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, Native American Studies, and English. We also have
a strong tradition in environmental writing and an active, interdisciplinary Center for Ethics and
Public Affairs. There is a continual stream of readings, lectures, conferences, and events on
campus related to natural resources and environmental issues. Students who pursue the M.A. in
Environmental Philosophy are also given the opportunity to complete an internship with one of
the several local and national environmental organizations located in Missoula. Missoula itself is
a culturally vibrant city which is located at the intersection of five beautiful valleys, offering
unparalleled access to Montana's wildlife, its national forest and wilderness areas, and a number
of its legendary rivers.
Program
Degree Offered
Philosophy
M.A.
Degree Offered
M.A. in Environmental Philosophy
Requirements
36 graduate credits; thesis.
A. 36 graduate credits:
1. 27 credits must be in philosophy. These include:
(a) Environmental Ethics (PHL 427E, 3 credits)
(b) Philosophy of Technology (PHL 501, 3 credits)
(c) Philosophy of the Science of Ecology (PHL 501, 3 credits)
(d) Topics in Value Theory (PHL 502, 3 credits)
(e) Topics in Environmental Philosophy (PHL 504, 6 credits)
(f) Philosophy Forum (PHL 510, 2 credits)
(g) Supervised internship with an environmental organization or government agency (PHL
598, 3 credits)
(h) Thesis (PHL 599, 4 credits)
2. 9 credits must be in:
(a) Ecological Perspectives in Native American Traditions (NAS 596, 3 credits). Students may
petition to substitute an alternative course that addresses a nonwestern tradition.
(b) Applied Ecology (ENSC 596, 3 credits)
(c) Elective (3 credits). This course must be approved by the Graduate Adviser and may be a
philosophy course or a course taken outside of the department.
3. At least half the credits required for the degree (excluding a combined total of 10 credits for
thesis and research) must be at the 500 level.
B. Thesis: Students must successfully complete and defend a 30-40 page thesis on a topic in
environmental philosophy.
A student with the appropriate professional background wishing to enroll in this program while
remaining in his or her career may be able to waive up to six of the 36 required credits. Three of
these will be the internship and the other three will depend upon the student’s background. In
order to be eligible for this waiver, such a student must satisfy the admissions committee that he
or she has adequate preparation in philosophy.
M.A. in Philosophy
Requirements
36 graduate credits; thesis.
A. 36 graduate credits:
1. 33 credits must be in philosophy. These include:
(a) Topics in Epistemology, Philosophy of Technology or Philosophy of Science (PHL 501, 3
credits)
(b) Topics in Value Theory (PHL 502, 3 credits)
(c) Topics in the History of Philosophy (PHL 503 or 462 or 464 or 465 or 466, 3 credits)
(d) Philosophy Forum (PHL 510, 2 credits)
(e) Philosophy electives (18 credits)
(f) Thesis (PHL 599, 4 credits)
2. 3 credits may be taken outside of the Department of Philosophy (with the approval of the
Graduate Adviser).
3. At least half the credits required for the degree (excluding a combined total of 10 credits for
thesis and research) must be at the 500 level.
B. Thesis: Students must successfully complete and defend a 30-40 page thesis on a topic in
philosophy.
Admissions
1. Application Materials and Deadlines
Fall deadline for M.A. in Environmental Philosophy- Complete application packet must be
received by February 1.
Fall deadline for M.A. in Philosophy – Complete application packet must be received by
February 1.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on
this website.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department
of Philosophy also requires:





GRE Scores
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
A Statement of Purpose (100-300 words) describing your background, research interests,
professional goals, and reasons for choosing the Department of Philosophy at the
University of Montana. Applicants should specify in the statement of purpose which
degree track they are applying for (M.A. in Environmental Philosophy or M.A. in
Philosophy).
A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's philosophical abilities
Three letters of recommendation
2. Program Requirements for Admission


The Department of Philosophy accepts GRE scores with a test date that is within the past
five years or verifiable GRE scores if the test date is over five years old.
While an applicant's undergraduate degree will typically be in the field of philosophy,
admission may be granted to promising applicants from other majors.
3. Assistantship Deadline
Students wishing to be considered for teaching assistantships, fellowships or scholarships must
submit a complete application packet by February 1. All completed application packets received
on or before February 1 will be considered for teaching assistantships.
4. International Students


The TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam can substitute for the GRE.
See the International Admission section on this website.
Financial Assistance
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Financial Information section on
this website.
Teaching Assistantships
Five teaching assistantships are available to philosophy graduate students (four are for
instructional assistance in philosophy; one is for instruction in English composition). These are
awarded on a competitive basis annually and may be renewed for a second year. Except in rare
circumstances, assistantships are reserved for students pursing the M.A. in Environmental
Philosophy.
In addition to their salaries, teaching assistants receive a tuition fee waiver (in-state or out-ofstate). Teaching assistants are required to register for 9 credits each semester.
Grader Positions
The department has several grader positions open to qualified students. These positions are
available each semester for work in introductory philosophy courses at an hourly wage. Contact
the department office for further information.
Philosophy
Department website
Campus Location
Liberal Arts Building, Room 101
Federal Express Delivery - Street Address
32 Campus Drive #5780
Missoula, MT 59812-5780
Department Contact
Laura Jones Lofink
(406) 243-2949
Fax: (406) 243-5313
laura.joneslofink@umontana.edu
Graduate Adviser
Deborah Slicer
(406) 243-2527
deborah.slicer@umontana.edu