Program Overview

Philosophy Program Overview

The Philosophy Department provides excellent training in both research and teaching. The nationally and internationally renowned faculty have expertise in the core areas of philosophy, with particular strength in epistemology, ethics, philosophy of mind and political philosophy, and also in various specialties; these include philosophy of biology, Asian philosophy, experimental philosophy, and the foundations of decision and game theory. With 15 full-time faculty and around 25 graduate students, we offer a supportive community for pursuit of the MA and the PhD, with a broad range of courses, rigorous training, attentive, high-quality advising, the opportunity to develop a professional network through our series of colloquia and conferences, and help in every aspect of job seeking.

Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral | On Campus

Admission Criteria

• Fall deadline: January 20
• Average GPA in the major: 3.9

Minimum Language Requirements

Minimum English language proficiency test scores are required.

Average GRE Scores (GRE scores are optional)

• Test Type: GRE
• Verbal: 163
• Quantitative: 155

Although we award an MA degree, we admit students to our PhD program only (with the MA obtained in the process). Any unusual circumstances regarding failure to meet the minimum requirements should be called to the attention of the director of graduate admissions.

Eligibility for any graduate work in philosophy requires the equivalent of the following six undergraduate courses in philosophy:

• formal logic
• ethics
• ancient philosophy
• modern philosophy
• epistemology
• metaphysics

Deficiencies may be made up after the student is enrolled at MU.

Required Application Materials

For the Graduate School

• Completed Graduate School online application
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)

For the Philosophy Program

• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of interest
• Writing sample
• Resume/CV
• Departmental application
• GRE score report (GRE scores are optional)
• TOEFL score (International applicants only)