CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Duties to Animals
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
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IELTS
€52k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
This program at Carnegie Mellon University offers an in-depth exploration of ethical theories concerning human duties towards animals, drawing primarily from Kantian and Regan's philosophical perspectives. Students will critically analyze concepts such as direct vs. indirect duties, the definition of an 'end-in-itself', and the 'subject-of-a-life' framework. The course encourages students to evaluate the moral status of animals and challenges traditional views on animal welfare and rights, providing a foundational understanding of key arguments in animal ethics.
Curriculum
The program delves into core philosophical texts to explore the moral status of animals and the nature of human obligations towards them. Key modules focus on the arguments of Kant and Regan, contrasting their views on direct and indirect duties, rights, and inherent value.
- Throughout the program
- Kant: Duties to Animals (Direct and Indirect)
- Ends-in-Themselves and Self-Determination
- Regan: The Case for Animal Rights
- Comparison of Regan's and Singer's Views
- Critical Analysis of Inherent Value and Burden of Proof
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Duties to Animals Master's program?
- Annual tuition for Master's students is $60,900. Students are also responsible for a $244 student activities fee.
- What is the duration of the Duties to Animals Master's program?
- The provided data does not specify the program duration. It indicates that admissions are for the Fall semester only.
- What are the academic entry requirements for this program?
- An undergraduate degree is required, strongly encouraged in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a combination. College-level coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and some programming is necessary.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The program is at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 overall.
- When can I apply for the Duties to Animals Master's program?
- The application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026. Admissions are only for the Fall semester.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
- Carnegie Mellon University offers several funding opportunities including the Rales Fellowship Program, Graduate Student Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding, and Scholarly Project Funding of $750.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate degreeStrongly encouraged in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a combination thereof. Must include college-level coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and some programming. Ideal candidates will also have coursework in algorithms and data structures.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 100 overall
GRE scores are not required for admission. TOEFL waivers are not granted based on prior education in English, regardless of location.
Fees
Tuition (international)Annual tuition for Master's students is $60,900.
Tuition (home)Annual tuition for Master's students is $60,900.
LivingEstimated annual living expenses are $34,018, not including tuition and health insurance. This includes housing ($14,752), food ($8,664), books and supplies ($2,212), personal and miscellaneous expenses ($4,098), travel allowance ($1,756), transportation fee ($302), technology fee ($490), and estimated loan fees ($1,500 for federal loan borrowers). Health insurance costs are TBD.
All fees are as of April 3, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students are also responsible for a $244 student activities fee.
How to apply
1. Check Application Opening DateThe application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026.
2. Prepare Required DocumentsGather all necessary application materials, including transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Ensure your TOEFL score is available if English is not your native language.
3. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the SCS Online Graduate Application system. You may apply to other SCS programs simultaneously.
4. Address GRE Field (if prompted)If asked for a GRE test date, enter any future date as GREs are not required for this program.
Scholarships
Rales Fellowship Program—
Graduate Student Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Duties to Animals Master's program?
+
Annual tuition for Master's students is $60,900. Students are also responsible for a $244 student activities fee.
What is the duration of the Duties to Animals Master's program?
+
The provided data does not specify the program duration. It indicates that admissions are for the Fall semester only.
What are the academic entry requirements for this program?
+
An undergraduate degree is required, strongly encouraged in Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a combination. College-level coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and some programming is necessary.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The program is at Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 overall.
When can I apply for the Duties to Animals Master's program?
+
The application for Fall 2027 admissions opens on September 9, 2026. Admissions are only for the Fall semester.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
+
Carnegie Mellon University offers several funding opportunities including the Rales Fellowship Program, Graduate Student Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding, and Scholarly Project Funding of $750.