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) – required

• General test is required
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 5 years old by the application deadline

For international applicants

All international applicants are required to submit valid English Language Proficiency test scores unless an applicant meets the eligibility requirements for an automatic exemption from the ELP Test Score requirement. Please see the accepted score types for applicants to the Department of Philosophy and instructions on how to send your scores to MIT below.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 6.5
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old by the application deadline

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)

• Minimum score required: 90 (iBT) or 4.5 (iBT26)
• Institute code: 3514
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old by the application deadline

Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams)

• Minimum score required: 185
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate

Department ELP Waiver Policy

The Department of Philosophy generally grants 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.

ELP waivers can only be requested directly in the application on the Test Scores Instructions page. Do not request an ELP waiver via email; emailed requests may not receive a response. The last day to request an ELP waiver is December 15. 

Review the Graduate Admissions test scores policy here.

Test Score Verification

All test scores shared with MIT must be verified by the testing agency in order to be reviewed. If you do not see your score verification status change upon submission, you may request assistance with test score verification in your application status portal. While valid scores must be submitted by the application deadline, all test scores must be verified by March 15, 2027.

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.