Philosophy

Fall Term (September)

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (PhD)

Required:

• Online application
• Statement of objectives
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English proficiency exam scores
• GRE scores – optional
• CV or resume
• Writing sample

Writing Sample Instructions:

Applicants to the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy are required to submit a writing sample as part of their application.

Applicants to the Philosophy Program should submit a writing sample in philosophy, ideally of 15–25 pages in length. The writing sample should allow us to assess the applicant’s understanding of a philosophical problem and ability to evaluate philosophical arguments. This assessment is usually easier if the writing sample explicitly engages with some of the contemporary philosophical literature.

If you attended PIKSI or another Undergraduate Diversity Institute in Philosophy, please contact lp-admissions@mit.edu regarding a fee waiver.

For all applicants:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – optional

• General test is optional
• Institute code: 3514

For international applicants:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 6.5
• Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)

• Minimum score required: 90
• Institute code: 3514
• Department code: 04 or 20

• Minimum score required: 185
• Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions

Review the Graduate Admissions English language proficiency (ELP) test score policy here.

Department ELP waiver policy: A waiver of the English language proficiency requirement may be available.

Department ELP Waivers:

The Philosophy Department generally grant waivers to students who have received a degree from an English-speaking university outside these countries or who demonstrate an extensive background in English. We ask that students requesting a waiver have their recommenders comment in depth on their English speaking, reading, and writing skills. We also strongly suggest that they submit a writing sample in English.

Currently, we can support five entering students each year with tuition plus a 12-month stipend. We can also support graduating fifth-years with a one-year postdoc if they are unable to secure a position elsewhere. In special cases, we are able to support sixth year students with tuition plus a 9-month stipend in place of a postdoc.

Please see the Philosophy FAQ for more information.