Program structure

The Department of Philosophy at the University of Maryland offers Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs that emphasize advanced study and research in contemporary analytic philosophy. The programs are designed to equip students with rigorous training in core philosophical disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches.

Ph.D. Program Structure:

• Total Credit Requirement: 45 credits (beyond the bachelor’s degree).
• Core Coursework: Students must complete courses in key areas, including:
  • Logic
  • Epistemology
  • Ethics
  • Metaphysics
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • History of Philosophy
• Dissertation Research: Students must develop a dissertation that contributes original research to the field.
• Teaching Requirement: Graduate students often participate as teaching assistants, gaining experience in instruction and pedagogy.
• Comprehensive Examinations: To advance to candidacy, students must pass written and oral exams in their areas of specialization.

M.A. Program Structure:

• Total Credit Requirement: 30 credits.
• Coursework: Focused on core philosophical areas and electives tailored to students' interests.
• Thesis or Non-Thesis Option:
  • Thesis Track: Involves writing and defending a substantial research paper.
  • Non-Thesis Track: Requires additional coursework in place of a thesis.

Program Highlights:

• Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Students can engage in cross-departmental collaborations with fields like cognitive science, political science, and economics.
• Seminars and Workshops: Regular departmental seminars and workshops allow students to present research, receive feedback, and engage with leading philosophers.
• Mentorship: Students receive individualized mentorship to support their academic and professional development.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates from the program are expected to:

• Demonstrate expertise in their chosen area of philosophy.
• Produce high-quality original research.
• Engage effectively in philosophical discourse.
• Apply philosophical methods to interdisciplinary challenges.

For more detailed information about the structure and requirements, visit the Philosophy Graduate Program page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland (UMD) offers graduate programs in Philosophy, including Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Below is an overview of the associated tuition, fees, and funding opportunities.

Tuition and Fees:

• Per Credit Hour:

  • Maryland Residents: $844.56
  • Non-Residents: $1,841.10

• Annual Mandatory Fees:

  • Part-Time (1-8 credits): $716
  • Full-Time (9 or more credits): $1,385

• Ph.D. Candidacy Tuition:

  • Maryland Residents: $1,377 per semester
  • Non-Residents: $2,678.52 per semester

Note: Tuition rates are subject to change. For the most current information, please refer to UMD's Graduate Tuition & Fees page.

Funding Opportunities:

• Ph.D. Students:

  • The Department of Philosophy offers financial aid to most admitted Ph.D. students, typically providing at least five years of support. Funding packages may include:
    • Research Assistantships
    • Teaching Assistantships
    • Fellowships
  • These packages often cover tuition remission and provide affordable health insurance.

• M.A. Students:

  • Funding for M.A. students is limited. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Graduate School for information on available financial aid and fee waivers.

• Graduate School Fellowships and Awards:

  • UMD's Graduate School offers competitive fellowships and maintains a database of external grants and fellowships. These resources can provide critical support for graduate students.

Application Fees:

• The application fee is determined by the Graduate School. Unfortunately, the Department of Philosophy cannot waive this fee, as it is paid directly to the Graduate School. Applicants seeking fee waivers should consult the Graduate School's policies.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding opportunities and to contact the Department of Philosophy's Director of Graduate Admissions for personalized guidance.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland (UMD) provides various funding opportunities for graduate students in the Department of Philosophy, particularly for those pursuing a Ph.D.

Ph.D. Students:

• Departmental Funding:

  • Most admitted Ph.D. candidates receive financial aid packages that typically include a combination of Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and Fellowships. These packages generally offer at least five years of support, encompassing tuition remission and affordable health insurance.

• Graduate School Fellowships:

  • UMD's Graduate School offers competitive fellowships and maintains a comprehensive database of external grants and fellowships. These resources are designed to support graduate students throughout their academic journey.

M.A. Students:

• Departmental Funding:
  • Funding opportunities for M.A. students are limited. Prospective M.A. candidates are encouraged to consult the Graduate School for information on available financial aid and potential fee waivers.

Additional Resources:

• Scholarship Matching Platform:

  • UMD utilizes Scholarship Universe, a platform that assists students in finding and applying for both university-offered and external scholarships. By creating a profile and answering matching questions, students can identify scholarships aligned with their academic and personal backgrounds.

• Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program:

  • Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, this program provides financial assistance to Maryland residents enrolled in certain graduate and professional programs. Eligibility is based on financial need, and award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

Application Fee Waivers:

• The Department of Philosophy cannot waive application fees, as these are managed by the Graduate School. Applicants seeking fee waivers should refer to the Graduate School's policies and procedures regarding such requests.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore all available funding opportunities and to contact the Department of Philosophy's Director of Graduate Admissions for personalized guidance.

Admission Requirements

The University of Maryland's Department of Philosophy offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Admission to these programs is competitive and requires a strong academic background in philosophy.

Ph.D. Program Admission Requirements:

• Academic Background:

  • A high undergraduate GPA.
  • At least 18 credit hours in philosophy, including:
    • One course in logic.
    • One course in ethics.
    • One course in epistemology, metaphysics, or philosophy of mind.
    • Two courses in the history of philosophy.

• Application Materials:

  • Completed application form with a statement of purpose.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation from previous instructors.
  • A writing sample in philosophy (one or two essays, totaling no more than 20-25 pages).
  • Optional: GRE scores.
  • For non-native English speakers: TOEFL scores, unless waived.

M.A. Program Admission Requirements:

• Academic Background:

  • Less stringent than the Ph.D. program but still competitive.

• Application Materials:

  • Same as the Ph.D. program.

Application Deadline:

• January 7 for fall admission.
• Spring admissions are uncommon.

The Department especially welcomes applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups.

For detailed information, please visit the Admissions and Funding page.

Application Procedure

The University of Maryland's Department of Philosophy offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The application process is managed through the UMD Graduate School's TerpEngage Graduate Admissions System.

Application Steps:

1. Online Application:

   • Access the TerpEngage Graduate Admissions System to complete and submit your application.

2. Application Fee:

   • A non-refundable fee of $75 is required. Payment is made online during the application submission.

3. Supporting Documents:

   • Transcripts: Upload scanned copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Upon enrollment, official transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, preferably from academic instructors familiar with your scholarly work. Recommenders will receive instructions via email on how to submit their letters electronically.
   • Writing Sample: Submit one or two essays in philosophy, totaling no more than 20-25 pages.
   • Statement of Purpose: Provide a concise essay outlining your academic interests, research goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate study in philosophy.
   • Optional GRE Scores: The GRE is not required; however, applicants may choose to submit their scores.
   • English Proficiency Tests: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores unless exempted. Minimum required scores are 80 on the TOEFL iBT, 7.0 on the IELTS, or 68 on the PTE.

Application Deadline:

• Fall Admission: January 7
• Spring admissions are uncommon.

Additional Information:

• Ensure all materials are submitted by the deadline to guarantee full consideration.
• The Department of Philosophy cannot waive application fees, as they are processed by the Graduate School. Applicants seeking fee waivers should consult the Graduate School's policies.
• For detailed instructions, refer to the Step-by-Step Guide to Applying provided by the Graduate School.

For further assistance, contact the Director of Graduate Admissions, Harjit Bhogal, at bhogal@umd.edu.

By meticulously following these steps and ensuring timely submission of all materials, applicants can effectively navigate the application process for UMD's graduate philosophy programs.