Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy

The Department of Philosophy offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, including courses on applied ethics, ethical theory, epistemology, logic, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, decision theory, political philosophy, non-Western philosophy, and the history of Western philosophy. The study of philosophy is not only fascinating in its own right but practical too, since it encourages the development of marketable intellectual abilities. These include the abilities to read, think, and write about conceptually complex and abstract material, and to construct and analyze elaborate chains of reasoning. Philosophy majors go on to pursue careers in such fields as law, medicine, business, the non-profit sector, the church, and academia.

The department offers BA, BS, MA, and PhD degrees in philosophy, as well as an undergraduate minor and a Certificate in Ethical Theory and Practice.

72 hours of course work in philosophy, with at least 42 hours of regular course work.

A distribution of graduate courses including an introductory seminar for all first year students, two advanced courses in logic, two courses in the history of philosophy, and one course in each of ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics.

A written and oral dissertation proposal requirement designed to ensure the student's familiarity with the relevant philosophical literature and ability to analyze philosophical issues. A dissertation and a final oral examination on the dissertation.

Arrange for all relevant official transcripts to be sent directly to the Graduate School by your college or university student copies are not acceptable
For applicants submitting GRE scores this is not required arrange with Educational Testing Services for your GRE scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School MUs school code is 6875 philosophys department code is 2801 Only electronic scores are acceptable
International students also should arrange for their TOEFL scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School MUs school code is 6875 philosophys department code is 2801 The minimum required scores are 100 internet total with a speaking score of at least 23 internet For more information about scores see the Graduate Schools TOEFL policy
Complete the basic information in online Graduate School application
Upload a 750word Statement of Interest to the Supplemental Information section of the online Graduate School application form It should explain why are you are interested in graduate study in philosophy at the University of Missouri We encourage you to address if you wish how you can advance the departments commitment to diversity
Upload a sample of your 1525 page philosophical writing eg a paper or thesis chapter to the Supplemental Information section of the online Graduate School application form For the sake of blind evaluation do not include your name on the sample you upload
In the Recommendation section of the online Graduate School application form enter the information for three letters of recommendation regarding your academic potential You should first obtain agreement from the professors writing these letters They will be contacted by email to submit their letters
Eligibility for any graduate work in philosophy requires the equivalent of the following six undergraduate courses in philosophy formal logic ethics ancient philosophy modern philosophy epistemology and metaphysics
Deficiencies may be made up after the student is enrolled at MU
Average GPA in the major 3.9
IBT 100 PBT 600 IELTS 7