Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Applicants:

The Philosophy Department faculty and staff are pleased that you have found our graduate program suitable to your needs.  We would like to assist you as much as possible in preparing your application and supplemental materials.  Below you will find a few tips and Q&A that will help you along the way.  Should you need further assistance, please contact Sonia Lawson at 215-204-1742.

Basic Information and FAQs

• All application materials can be addressed to:
  Temple University
  Department of Philosophy
  1114 W. Berks Street
  Anderson Hall, 7th Floor
  Philadelphia, PA 19122
  
  
• Applications can be completed online at:
• https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=templegrad
• Progress of your application can be tracked through the Apply Yourself pin number and ID you received/created when you applied.
• The university code for sending GRE scores is 2901.  Our department code is 2801.
• GRE scores must be sent via ETS, paper copies and notifications sent via e-mail will not be accepted.
• Please make sure your first and last names are on all materials.
• You may send more than the required three letters of recommendation.
• Letters of recommendation should be sent via mail or special delivery service.  E-mails may be sent to Sonia Lawson with prior notification from the recommender.  Faxed copies of letters of recommendation will not be accepted.   Reference Report for Graduate Study forms can be found at http://www.temple.edu/grad/admissions/documents/WebGRADREFERENCEREPORT.pdf.

 

• What is the deadline for applying to the PhD and/or MA program?
• The deadline for applying to the program for domestic students is January 15th.  International students must apply by December 15th.

 

• What materials are required to complete my application?
  • Completed Application Form
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.
• TOEFL (minimum 230 computer) for non-native English speakers without a US undergraduate degree.
• Certified copies of academic records or transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (approximately 10 page philosophy paper)
• Statement of Goals
• Application fee of $60

   

• When will I find out if I have been accepted?
  • Review of completed applications usually begins in late January.  Most decisions are made by the beginning of March. 
• Students recommended for admission will be initially contacted with an informal e-mail from the Graduate Director, Dr. Miriam Solomon.  Formal notice of acceptance will come in a letter from the Graduate School a couple of weeks later.
• Rejected students will be notified with a letter from Sonia Lawson.  Formal notice of rejection will come in a letter from the Graduate School a couple of weeks later.

• What type of GRE scores do I need to apply to the graduate program?
• GRE scores of admitted students tend to be in the 70th or above percentile. 

• Does the department provide financial aid?
• Financial aid is awarded on the basis of academic merit.  We nominate our strongest candidates for Graduate School Fellowships, and we also have some Departmental Assistantships.  Decisions about financial aid are made at the same time as decisions about admission. 

• Does the department accept non-matriculated students?
• Yes, the department does accept non-matriculated students.  Such students may take up to three graduate courses in philosophy.  They should already have an undergraduate degree with significant training in philosophy.  Applicants interested in this path should contact the department office at 215-204-1742 for further instruction.