About

The Department of Philosophy's graduate program in social, political, ethical and legal philosophy (SPEL) offers students advanced coursework and individual research in classical, modern and contemporary social and political philosophy, as well as ethics and the philosophy of law. SPEL recognizes and respects both the Anglo-American (analytic) and Continental (European) traditions, as well as various non-Western traditions, feminist philosophy and critical race theory, and other emerging areas of philosophy. Students with a variety of philosophical interests are welcome to apply to the SPEL program.

Our program offers a terminal Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) track, with specializations in social, political, ethical and/or legal philosophy. The MA is often pursued by students who are interested in postgraduate careers in law, business or public policy. The PhD prepares students for specializations in the most sought-after and fastest-growing areas in contemporary philosophy in colleges and universities. Our Department enjoys highly successful placement rates and aggressive professional development.

Recent doctoral graduate placements include: assistant professor at Southern Illinois University, assistant professor at Antioch College, assistant professor at Mardin Artuklu University in Turkey, assistant professor at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia and postdoctoral fellowship at Seton Hall University.

The Philosophy department is able to waive the application fee for a limited number of qualified PhD candidates. To be considered for the waiver, you should start your application. Once you upload all application documents, email Director of Graduate Studies Anja Karnein ([email protected]) with information in support of your waiver request two weeks before the application deadline. Note: You should not submit your application package until the application fee is either paid or waived.

You can learn more about the program by contacting the director. Recent news and notices may be found at an off-site unofficial blog.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career

Graduates of our MA program have had excellent placement rates in doctoral programs, while many PhD graduates have obtained positions at prestigious colleges and universities. Experience gained as teaching assistants and graduate assistants during their study can provide valuable training that educational institutions actively seek in candidates. Other alumni have continued their education in law school and found work as attorneys or legal associates. The rest have entered the private sector in business and management capacities.

Fee Information

Application Fee 70

How to Apply

Submit the online application and all required application materials.
- You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
  - For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
- Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.
- Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
  - You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
  - United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
  - Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
- Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.
Review these reminders before you apply:
- We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
- You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
- Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.
- If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
- If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
- If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.

Philosophy