Admission to the Graduate Programs

Introduction

This page provides information about admission to the MA and PhD programs in philosophy at the University of Memphis. This page is intended as a helpful supplement to the university's Graduate Catalog, which is available at this link: Graduate Catalog. In any case of conflict, the Graduate Catalog takes precedence over information given on this page. Students should be familiar with the policies and regulations set forth in that document.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students are admitted in the fall semester of each academic year. Admission is very competitive, and the process is guided by the following expectations.

(1) A bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
(2) A minimum of a 3.0 (4.0 scale).
(3) At least 18 semester hours of coursework in philosophy or a closely related discipline.

A Note on Coursework

As in any discipline, advanced study in philosophy builds upon a basic foundation of undergraduate coursework. Well-prepared students, therefore, will typically be philosophy majors, with coursework in logic, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the history of western philosophy (especially ancient and modern). The philosophy department at the University of Memphis recognizes, however, that good philosophical training is not always limited to philosophy departments. If a student lacks some of this coursework in philosophy, yet believes that they are nevertheless well-prepared for graduate work in one of our programs, they are encouraged to make their case in their statement of purpose. Students deemed deficient in their undergraduate preparation may be admitted to the program on the condition that one or more courses be taken without graduate credit at the earliest opportunity.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission to the MA or PhD program, you must submit an online application:

The system will ask you to create a user account and it will offer instructions throughout the process. The application deadline is January 01, 2025. Applications incomplete by the express deadline might not receive full consideration.

The application fee is $35 for domestic applicants and $60 for international applicants.

To be complete, your application must contain the following components:

Application Requirements

(1) Completed online application.
(2) Unofficial Transcripts
(3) A Personal Statement (1-2 pages)
(4) A writing sample (10 - 20 pages)
(5) Three confidential letters of recommendation (initiated within the online application). Letters should be on letterhead with an original signature.

Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of all application materials is January 01, 2025.

Admission Questions

For further information on the new application portal, visit the Graduate Admissions page.

https://www.memphis.edu/graduateadmissions/future/apply_grad.php

For further information regarding admission to one of our graduate programs, please contact the Director of Graduate Admissions, Dr. Daniel Smith at d.j.smith@memphis.edu.