Admissions Information for the Graduate Program

The department offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in philosophy. In addition to traditional areas of philosophy, concentrations are available that bridge philosophy with other disciplines such as law or cognitive science. Students admitted to the philosophy Ph.D. program are normally expected to have completed an undergraduate major in philosophy or its equivalent, i.e., 30 units of course work in philosophy. However, students with less undergraduate work in philosophy may be admitted (sometimes with deficiencies, i.e., with course work to be taken without graduate credit). All admissions to the program are on a competitive basis. The Philosophy Department does not admit graduate students who wish to proceed only to the master's degree. All students admitted are given financial aid, usually in the form of teaching assistantships.

Review of application files will begin December 15th. To ensure full
consideration for financial support, completed applications must be received by January 2nd. The Graduate College deadline for receipt of applications by international students is December 1st.

Materials Required for Application

• Transcript
• GRE
• Three letters of recommendation (preferably from philosophy professors)
• Statement of purpose
• Sample of applicant's philosophical written work
• Completed application for Graduate Assistantship
• Separate department of philosophy graduate study application
• TOEFL (applicants from non-English-speaking countries)

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