GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

M.A. in Philosophy

Admissions Requirements

Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.25 or higher. In special circumstances, the department may waive this GPA requirement when other elements of the student’s application are truly outstanding or when grades were affected by extenuating circumstances.

International applicants whose native language is not English must meet the Philosophy Department's English Language Requirement. For more information, see here.

Background Preparation

While an undergraduate major in philosophy is not required, substantial coursework in philosophy is generally expected. Graduate students with certain deficiencies in their prior philosophy coursework may be required to take additional remedial undergraduate courses while enrolled in the program. Such remedial courses do not count towards one’s graduate degree, but they are taken in conjunction with students’ regular graduate coursework.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Each year, the department offers 6-7 graduate teaching assistantships to incoming graduate students.  These funding packages cover tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Application Process

Application Deadline: February 15

Required Materials:

  • Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
  • Writing Sample (~10-20 pages)
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • University Transcripts (one from each institution attended)
  • English Proficiency Test Scores (for international applicants – see here for more information)
  • Application Fee. Note that the Free Graduate Application Days for the current admission cycle are December 1, 2024 and January 14-15, 2025. More information on this as well as information on fee waivers is available here (Skip the application fee).

For Admission With Funding
(Teaching Assistantship)

Submission of All Application Materials is Now Online

Have Questions About Admissions or Requirements?