Graduate Studies
Syracuse University offers programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy. Studies in the Ph.D. Program are designed to prepare students to make original contributions in philosophy and to teach at the college or university level. Studies in the M.A. program are designed to enhance a student's understanding and expertise in some aspects of philosophy.
The curriculum of the department provides opportunities for concentrations in metaphysics, epistemology, the philosophy of language, the philosophy of mind, ethics, political philosophy, and the history of philosophy. Curricular resources, both within the philosophy department and in related departments, also provide for concentrations in which religion, psychology, law, and language and linguistics are a focus of interest. The degree programs reflect the view that proper graduate education in philosophy includes both the study of the history of philosophy and the examination of current philosophical issues.
How to Apply
For more information about Graduate Admissions, go to: https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions-aid/application-process/graduate/
To go directly to the application: https://graduate.admissions.go.syr.edu/apply/
Application deadline: January 1 to be considered for funding; late applications considered until March 1.
Do not send application materials to the department, send all materials to the Graduate School (Admissions) directly.
The application fee is $75.
In addition to completing the application, the following are also required:
- Transcripts from previous institutions
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Scores from English Proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) for applicants whose first language is not English
- Writing Sample (Please see instructions below)
***We will no longer accept GRE scores as part of the application, and will not consider them even if you submit them.
Instructions for Preparing Writing Samples
Writing samples must be prepared in a way that facilitates anonymous review. Please ensure that your writing sample satisfies the following criteria:
- The first page of the writing sample should include the title of the paper, the name of the author of the paper, and the institutional affiliation of the author.
- The second page of the writing sample should include only the title of the paper.
- No other page in the writing sample should include the name of the author, the institution of the author, or any acknowledgments or thanks to named individuals. (If the author of the paper feels it is important to include acknowledgments, these can be included on the first page of the paper.)
Graduate Financial Assistance
Students admitted to the PhD program are normally funded as Teaching Assistants or University Fellows and receive grants for their full tuition. Currently the department does not offer any financial assistance for MA students
The Department strongly encourages graduate student participation in professional conferences, and some travel funds are provided to graduate students to make such activity possible. The Department is usually able to provide small summer research grants to a few graduate students. Special funds normally make it possible to offer a colloquium featuring a speaker selected by the graduate students.
Graduate Student Handbook and Forms
The Philosophy Department Graduate Handbook is currently being revised. If you have specific questions about the program, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies (Kevan Edwards, kedwar02@syr.edu)
Various forms are available through the Graduate School Website:
- Full-Time Certification
- Program of Study
- Request for Examination
- Petition to Faculty
Here are direct links to some other forms that might be helpful: