Philosophy

The Graduate Program

The Department of Philosophy has long been committed to pluralism in philosophy, striving to maintain strong faculty representation in the major historical periods, in the principal approaches, and in the basic problem areas of classical and contemporary philosophy. Candidates are encouraged to develop a breadth of competence in these different dimensions as well as an in-depth mastery of one or more specialized areas. Areas in which the program is particularly strong include the history and philosophy of science, mathematics, and logic; and the history of philosophy. Speakers invited by the Department of Philosophy, the Boston University Center for Philosophy & History of Science, the Boston University Institute for Philosophy & Religion, and the Boston Area Colloquium for Ancient Philosophy enrich the formal program of study, as do cooperative arrangements with other universities in the area.

Further information is available from the department, 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-2571; Philosophy Department website: www.bu.edu/philo.

Departmental Requirements The Department of Philosophy admits candidates to programs of study leading to the PhD; applications for admission to a program of study terminating in the MA are also invited.

The terminal MA may be pursued by full-time or part-time students. However, part-time applications for the PhD program are discouraged.

Candidates for either the MA or PhD shall take no fewer than two semester courses each semester until they have completed their course requirements.

Applicants should have completed the equivalent of an undergraduate major in philosophy, typically with an average of B or higher. Students with minors in philosophy are also encouraged to apply.

All applicants for admission to the MA or PhD programs in philosophy are required to submit their Graduate Record Examination scores and a sample of written work with their applications. Completed applications for admission should reach the Graduate School Office no later than January 15. Completed applications consist of: GRE scores, statement of purpose, writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and complete transcripts. Financial aid is limited to PhD candidates.

Vienna Program The Department of Philosophy, through its affiliation with the Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen in Vienna, Austria, awards a number of fellowships each fall and spring semester whereby advanced graduate students can cultivate their German language proficiency and engage in the various research programs of the institute. Students eligible for these fellowships normally have finished coursework and exams.