Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts

Get your Master of Philosophy Degree from the LPS MPhil Program

Expand your current graduate-level research efforts or explore a new intellectual project while pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree in our MPhil degree program. The Master of Philosophy Liberal Arts program through Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) is your best avenue to continue interdisciplinary study in greater depth.

MPhil Degree Program Requirements

If you completed an MLA degree at Penn, your MPhil program will include five courses (up to four in a single discipline) and an Independent Study during which you’ll write the MPhil degree thesis.

If you hold another master’s degree, you may be required to complete two additional courses for the Master of Philosophy degree, to more fully develop your interdisciplinary MPhil research program. The Penn admissions committee determines if you need any additional coursework for your MPhil degree as they review your application.

When you join the MPhil program, you’ll select an advisory committee of two of Penn’s acclaimed faculty who will help you establish guidelines for your MPhil program thesis and specify whether your MPhil project requires a defense, an examination, or a language proficiency. Your MPhil committee also reviews and approves the written project as part of your successful completion of the Master of Philosophy Liberal Arts degree.

Learn More About the MPhil Program through Penn’s LPS

Schedule an appointment with a Penn MPhil advisor in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) to review your current research and explore your options for pursuing a Master of Philosophy Liberal Arts degree.