Apply to the Ph.D. Program

Fall Admission Deadline: January 2

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a GradApp account.
  2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account."
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "Philosophy (PhD)" under program of study.
  5. Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
  6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Admission Requirements

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. Offers of admission are usually accompanied by financial aid in the form of teaching assistantships.

The application due date for Fall is January 2. The Philosophy Department offers no Spring admissions. We will begin evaluating files on December 15 so we encourage early applicants. If you are not able to complete your application material by the deadline or have any other problems or concerns, please contact the department.

Unfortunately the department is unable to provide application fee waivers, however applicants may qualify for waivers through these sponsored programs .

Application Checklist

Statement of Purpose

Provide a Statement of Purpose indicating the academic and professional goals you hope to achieve in pursuit of this program of study. Statements are generally one page single-spaced.

Letters of Recommendation

You'll need three letters of recommendation (preferably from philosophy professors). Enter contact information for your referees in the online application. Your referees will be contacted directly by the University of Arizona.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended or are currently attending must be provided. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded  be uploaded with your application. You must submit official transcripts, later on, before you can be officially admitted by the Graduate College.

Résúme

An outline of your education, scholarship, employment, and academic achievements is optional.

Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your philosophical written work. There is no page limit; upload your best work.

GRE Scores encouraged

We do not require GRE scores for a completed application for admission to our PhD program. We do encourage including GRE scores (upload referencing UArizona code: 4832). Our committee's policy is to treat especially strong scores as favorable evidence but not to treat lower scores as weighing against an applicant's overall case for admission. 

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants)

See Graduate College requirements for international students.

 

Questions?

For more information contact Sandra Kimball, or Michael McKenna, Director of Graduate Admissions.