Graduate College

The Graduate College
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5242 USA
(269) 387-8212

Philosophy (M.A.)

Philosophy (M.A.)

An image of a calendar icon that is brown with light tan page markers on a gold background with a red border.
  Application deadlines

A decorative photo of three graduate students in class looking towards the front of the room attentively.

 For full consideration of funding, our application deadline is February 1. We will consider applications on a rolling basis until April 15.

 

An image of a brown page with the gold letters C V on it for curriculum vitae on a gold background with a blue border.
  Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required; please submit within the online application system.

 

An image of a brown page with the gold letters Test on it and three checkbox options on a gold background with a purple border.
  Graduate test

This program prefers that applicants take the General GRE, but applications that do not include these score will still be considered for both admission and funding.

Note: International applicants may have to provide evidence of English language proficiency. More information can be found within the online application.

 

An image of a tan letter in a brown envelope on a gold background with a green border.
  Recommendations

This program requires three recommendations. Please send email requests for such recommendations from within the online system.

 

An image of a brown pencil on a gold background with a purple border.
  Written statement

Please prepare a statement which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application:

Please upload a personal statement that discusses your relevant personal and academic background, as well as scholarly interests. Also indicate how your background and interests make you an ideal candidate for graduate study in philosophy. Finally, indicate why this graduate program is a good fit for you, preferably by reference to areas of departmental strength or preferred faculty mentors. This statement should be approximately two double-spaced pages and should demonstrate your communication skills and writing competence.

 

An image of a brown typewriter with a light tan page in it on a gold background with a teal border.
  Previous written work

One (1) writing sample required (to be attached within the online application). The writing sample should represent the applicant’s best work in philosophy. While the length of paper can vary, it should aim to be under 7,000 words.

 

An image of a plus sign in a circle on a brown outline of a page on a gold background with an orange border.
  Other program materials

This program does not require any other program materials to be submitted.

 

An image of a brown page outline with many lines of text with the word Transcript at the top and also a university seal at the upper left-hand corner of the page to show it is an official document.
  Transcript requirement

An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from the institution(s) where any additional graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU.

 

An image of a brown I in a brown circle on a gold background with a green border.
  Additional information

Applicants are also expected to have:

  • Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of undergraduate work in philosophy, including: (a) a course in the history of modern philosophy, and (b) a course in symbolic logic.
  • Achieved a 3.0 or above overall grade point average in the applicant's undergraduate philosophy courses. If you do not meet the above requirements, please contact the department's director of graduate admissions for advice (269/387-4390). You may be able to obtain a provisional admission.

If you have any questions, please review the website below for program and contact information.

Department of Philosophy — College of Arts and Sciences

 

This is the new logo for Western Michigan University, it is a gold w inside a circle with a gold border and a brown background.

Start my application now

Return to All Program Summaries