Master of Philosophy

Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) (Latin: Philosophiae Magister) is the degree is granted when a potential PhD candidate has completed his or her coursework and oral exams, but has not begun dissertation research.

Also known as an "ABD" (all-but-dissertation) degree that in some cases is the terminal degree if the candidate, in the judgment of the faculty, will not proceed to dissertation.

The Master of Philosophy degree is one step "higher" than the Master of Arts degree.