PhD in Philosophy

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.

Applicants are expected to have a master's degree in Philosophy in order to be competitive for admission into the PhD program. Students who do not have a master's may be denied admission into the PhD program, but admitted into the master's program. Propsective students should ensure there is a faculty member that corresponds to their intended area of study prior to applying for admission.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

• A completed online application form and fee.
• Transcripts:
  • If coursework was completed within the United States, submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette¹
  • If coursework was completed outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation is required. A copy of a course-by-course evaluation is approved for the application process.²
• A statement of purpose outlining applicant's achievements and intentions in philosophy.
• Letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals familiar with applicant’s academic work and/or academic background.
• A sample of philosophical writing. The sample should be between 15-25 pages long and should be philosophical in nature. It should demonstrate your skills in correct citation and bibliography as well as your philosophical acumen in reasoning (as in reconstructing an argument, for example).
• For international applicants only: a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

^{1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.} 

^{2Upon admission, an official course-by-course transcript/academic record evaluation must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record.} 

February 1: Application and application materials should be received to be considered for the fall term.

Financial Aid

Merit-based aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) is available. Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.