Department of PhilosophyThe graduate application system opens every year on October 1st and closes on December 15th at 11:59 pm P.S.T.
You can find more information about the online application and Penn on the Graduate Division’s website.
What we’re looking for
Our Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications. Along with a solid academic record, our program is looking for individuals who demonstrate excellence in their chosen field and fit well with the goals and interests of the department.
Admissions requirements for the program reflect the high standards of the School of Arts & Sciences. Admissions criteria include:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- TOEFL scores of at least 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT) for international applicants (TOEFL scores are not required from international students who are attending or have attended English-speaking institutions or programs for their undergraduate or graduate degree)
The department receives between 150 - 250 applications each application cycle and we admit between 4-7 students. As such, the application process is very competitive. If your application for doctoral work is successful, you will receive an offer of financial aid. Our five-year aid package offers two and one-half years of fellowship support without teaching or other duties (though first-year students help monitor the library), and two and one-half years of service as a teaching fellow or assistant. (The aid package is adjusted for joint-degree programs.) Doctoral study is full-time.
Begin your application HERE