Overview

Ask fundamental questions about reality, value, and knowledge, and develop your analytical skills. Receive individual attention while immersing yourself in the community that our well-respected philosophy department provides. The strengths of Brandeis University's Master of Arts Program in Philosophy lie in a number of subfields - metaphysics and epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, philosophy of language, logic, philosophy of the mind and cognitive science, history of modern philosophy, aesthetics, gender and philosophy, and philosophy of law.  The MA can enhance your credentials and prepare you to apply to leading PhD programs in philosophy. Learn more on the department's website. Application intructions can be found below.

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How to Apply

Application Deadlines

Full consideration will be given to applications received by February 15. Applications received by May 1 will be considered until the cohort is full. 

Application Requirements

Although the department expects that applicants to the MA Program will have had some philosophy coursework as undergraduates, the department does not require an undergraduate degree in philosophy. We encourage applications from students with little to no experience in philosophy, but who are eager to become better acquainted with the discipline and enhance their credentials to apply for a more advanced degree in philosophy or in another area. Applicants must submit:

• An online application

• An application fee

• Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

• Three letters of recommendation, submitted online

• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé

• A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the philosophy program, your career objectives, and your relevant experience.

• A critical writing sample not to exceed 35 pages; the 35 page maximum may consist of a single paper or two shorter essays of approximately equal length.

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Please note that if you are applying for the 2021-2022 academic year, your application will receive full consideration even if you are unable to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Typically, the GRE general test is required. Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores). MyBest™ scores from ETS will not be accepted.

• Additional Requirements for International Applicants: Score report from one of the following English language proficiency exams: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Revised Paper-delivered Test, TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test. You can arrange for the delivery of your TOEFL iBT or Revised Paper-delivered Test score report by providing ETS with our institution code, 3261 (no department code is necessary); please note that MyBest™ scores from ETS will not be accepted. Delivery of your TOEFL ITP Plus scores can be arranged via your Vericant account, delivery of your Duolingo scores can be arranged via your Duolingo account, and delivery of your PTE Academic scores can be arranged via your Pearson account. Further information about this requirement can be found on the International Students page.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.