The Philosophy Department at Wayne State University offers both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Philosophy.  Graduate study in Philosophy may be pursued and graduate degrees in Philosophy may be sought for a variety of reasons.

The M.A. program may be pursued: to enhance one's knowledge and appreciation of Philosophy, or to complement one's work in another field, or to prepare for or make up one's mind about pursuing the Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program is designed especially, though not exclusively, for those wishing to prepare for a career as professional philosophers. (For a list of recent Ph.D.s, their dissertation titles, and their current employment, click here.)

The Department's Graduate Student Handbook provides a comprehensive description of the requirements in each program.

Approach.  The Department's strength is its distinctive approach and vision, centering on the fundamental areas in analytic philosophy.  Within that tradition, we offer courses in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, the history of philosophy, logic, the philosophy of mind, the philosophy of language, the philosophy of science, the philosophy of art, and the philosophy of law.  For descriptions of our courses, click here.  To see current, recent, and future course offerings, click here.

Faculty.  The faculty of the Philosophy Department have been trained at some of the leading universities in the United States.  In their publications, in departmental colloquia, and in their classes, they continue a tradition of lively and penetrating discussion of philosophical issues for which the Wayne State Philosophy Department has long been noted.  The size of our program (eleven faculty and roughly twenty-five graduate stduents) allows for considerable faculty-student interaction.

Colloquia and Library.  The Department maintains an active colloquium program, in which both graduate students and faculty participate fully.  We also have, in the Department, a library of both books and journals, in addition to the University's library collections.

Financial Aid.  The Department currently provides financial support to over 80% of its Ph.D. students in the form of University Fellowships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships, and adjunct teaching work.  If you are applying to the Ph.D. program and wish to be considered for such support, please indicate this in your cover letter.  For more information about opportunities for financial aid, see the Department's Graduate Handbook and the Wayne State University Web site for financial aid.

Admission Requirements.  Prospective students should indicate to which program they are seeking admission: the M.A. or Ph.D.  Although the M.A. is not a prerequisite for the Ph.D. program, students who do not have a substantial background in philosophy are advised to apply first for admission to the M.A. program.  A student who performs well in the M.A. program may later be admitted to the Ph.D. program, and credits earned toward the M.A. may be applied to the Ph.D.

For the M.A.: Students are expected to have a minimum undergraduate Grade point Average (GPA) of 2.6 from an accredited college or 3.0 from an unaccredietd college, in upper division (approximately the last 60 credits) undergraduate courses.  Any applicant whose GPA falls below this standard must submit scores from a recent Graduate Record Examination (otherwise, GRE scores are optional). Prospective M.A. students are strongly encouraged to submit a sample of their written work in philosophy as well.

It is desirable to have taken courses on logic, value theory, and the history of philosophy, though applicants without any (or minimal) undergraduate philosophy courses are not discouraged from applying.  Students applying for admission to the M.A. program whose preparation is deemed insufficient may be asked to take courses as a non-degree student before being considered for admission.  Some credits earned under non-degree status can be applied to the M.A. once the student is admitted.

For the Ph.D.:  An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 for upper division undergraduate courses.  The applicant should have completed an undergraduate major or have done substantial work in philosophy.  A writing sample demonstrating the applicant's philosophical abilities is required for admission to the Ph.D. program at Wayne State University. Students who apply for admission to the Ph.D. program whose preparation is deemed insufficient may be admitted to the M.A. program. 

Questions concerning admission to our graduate programs, the application process, and the status of applications  should be directed to Professor Sean Stidd, the Department's Director of Graduate Admissions.  His address is: Professor Sean Stidd, Department of Philosophy, 5057 Woodward Ave., Rm. 12002.12, Detroit, MI 48202. His email address is aj7365@wayne.edu; and his phone number is (313) 577-6098.

Questions regarding other aspects of the Graduate Program should be directed to Professor Bruce Russell, Graduate Advisor. His address is:  Department of Philosophy, 5057 Woodward Avenue, Rm. 12002.3, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, 48202; his email address is Bruce.Russell@wayne.edu, and his phone number is (313) 577-6105.

Application Procedures: 

Students applying for admission to either the M.A. or Ph.D. program must complete a two-part application process which consists of an application to the Office of Graduate Admissions and a separate departmental pplication.

I.  Office of Graduate Admissions Application.

Send the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. A completed application form
2. Application fee
3. Official transcripts

Some foreign students must also submit TOEFL scores.

These materials should be sent to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward Ave.
Suite 6000
Detroit, Michigan 48202  USA

For further information or to apply online or to obtain a downloadable application form, visit the web site of the Office of Graduate Admissions at: http://www.gradadmissions.wayne.edu.

In addition, all applicants for the Ph.D. program must submit a writing sample on some philosophical topic; and it is strongly recommended that students applying to the M.A. program submit a writing sample (preferably on some philosophical topic).

Thee writing sample should be sent directly to the Philoosphy Department at the following address: 

Professor Sean Stidd, Graduate Admissions
Department of Philosophy
5057 Woodward Ave., Rm. 12002.12
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan 48202

Deadlines:  To be assured of consideration, students should apply before May 1 for admission to the Fall Semester, and October 1 for admission to the Winter Semester. Students may apply after these deadlines, but there may be insufficient time to process such applications.

Students who wish to be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Fellowships should submit all application materials by February 15th.

Philosophy Department Graduate Handbook

Office of Graduate Admissions

Wayne State University Web site for financial aid

Recent Ph.D.s in Philosophy

 
visitors since 12/7/2005