Admissions

Application Deadline: January 15 for PhD applications; March 1 for MA applications; March 1 for MA/MAUB applications.

For CLA Application Guidelines, please visit the Graduate Bulletin.

Checklist for Required Materials

Application 

  • Your application should be submitted via Interfolio (link above)

Statement of Goals

  • Your statement of goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words and should include the following elements:
    • Your academic background and research achievements
    • Your interest in Temple’s program
    • Your research goals
    • Your future career goals
  • Your statement of goals is submitted via the online application process

Resume or CV

  • A personal resume or curriculum vita is required (upload to inter folio)

Letters of Reference

  • Number required: 3
  • From whom: letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with your academic competence, wherever possible
  • These letters should be uploaded to Interfolio.

Writing Sample

  • Your writing sample should be 15-20 pages, and should be a substantial philosophy paper
  • The writing sample should be uploaded to Interfolio

Transcripts

  • No specific coursework is required for admission, although a strong background in philosophy is preferred
  • Transcripts must be uploaded to Interfolio

Standardized Testing Scores

  • The GRE is required. Although there is no official minimum, GRE scores are evaluated competitively
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE academic scores are required (just one of the above) for non-native speakers.
  • Your test scores should be sent directly from the testing service. (The university code for sending GRE scores is 2906. Our department code is 2801.)

For further assistance, please contact the Department Coordinator, Sonia Lawson at (215)-204-1742, or the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Espen Hammer (ehammer@temple.edu).

 

FAQ

  1. What is the deadline for applying?

January 15.

  1. What type of GRE scores do I need to apply?

Although there is no official minimum, GRE scores of admitted students tend to be in the 70th or above percentile. Higher GRE scores increase the likelihood of receiving funding.

  1. Does the Department provide financial aid?

Financial aid is awarded to PhD students on the basis of academic merit. The Department nominates our strongest candidates for Graduate School Fellowships, as well as offering Departmental TA-ships. Students from underrepresented groups may also be nominated for Future Faculty Fellowships. Due to limited resources, the Department is not always able to provide funding to all students, although the majority receive some funding eventually. MA students are not eligible for financial aid.

  1. What is Temple’s placement record?

There are Temple graduates teaching in Europe, the US, Asia, and the rest of the world. In spite of a difficult job market, we are extremely proud that our graduates continue to be successful in securing academic and philosophy related non-academic positions. We do our best to maintain an up to date placement record.

  1. What is the climate for women and minority students at Temple?

The Department aspires to create a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity. The Philosophy Department has a strong record of female graduates (link), and a number of graduate students have recently established a Women in Philosophy reading group. Temple University as a whole is committed to diversifying its graduate population and the professoriate through its Future Faculty Fellows Program. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Espen Hammer, if you have any further questions or would like to be put in contact with students currently in the program.

  1. When will I find out if I have been accepted?

Review of completed applications usually begins in mid-January. Most decisions are made by the beginning of March.