Saint Louis University's Doctor of Philosophy program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of philosophy as teachers and scholars prepared to engage at the highest levels of philosophical discourse.
PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
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PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
International students can study the Philosophy at Saint Louis University at its main campus in Saint Louis , United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 23, 2027.
About PhD in Philosophy
- Graduates will be able to make a scholarly contribution to the field of philosophy.
- Graduates will be able to teach philosophy effectively (meeting expectations on all dimensions of the "Checklist for Review of Graduate Student Teachers").
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
- Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
- Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 54
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Philosophy
Saint Louis University's Doctor of Philosophy program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of philosophy as teachers and scholars prepared to engage at the highest levels of philosophical discourse.
Courses in SLU's philosophy graduate program examine historical as well as contemporary issues, such as problems in metaphysics, epistemology, social and political ethics, and philosophy of religion, among others.
Graduate Handbook
Unique resources available to the program include the international philosophical journal Res Philosophica; the Vatican Film Library, one of the finest repositories of its kind in the Western hemisphere; and the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
There are regular opportunities to work with eminent visiting scholars, numerous colloquia and conferences, a wide variety of reading groups, and opportunities to participate in exchange programs.
There are no necessary requirements for acceptance into the graduate program in philosophy. However, a philosophy major is strongly recommended. In general, at least six philosophy courses are expected, including logic and history of philosophy.
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- R©sum©
- Professional goal statement (including areas of research interest)
- A sample of your philosophical writing (c. 10-15 page paper).
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.
- Proof of financial support that must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Assistantship Application Deadline
Students who want to be considered for a philosophy assistantship must submit their application by Dec. 15.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of philosophy department faculty members. Consistent with the Council of Graduate Schools "April 15" resolution, no student will be required to make a final decision to accept or reject an offer of funding prior to April 15.
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
For more information, visit https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
Application Fee 65
How to Apply for PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
Step 1: Accept or decline your admission
If you applied using SLU’s online graduate application, you can notify us about your decision to accept or decline your admission by logging in and clicking on “Manage Your Account.” From there, you can access the decision form.
If you’ve used a third-party, centralized application to apply — such as SOPHAS for public health programs or CASPA for physician administration programs — you’ll need to email us directly at [email protected] with your decision.
Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your SLU Net ID.
Step 3: Log into MySLU
Log into mySLU at auth.slu.edu. Use your SLU Net ID and SLU Net Password, then click "Login." Click on the "Tools" tab to find links to systems, such as Banner Self-Service and other SLU applications and systems.
When logging in for the first time, you will be directed to set up your multi-factor authentication. You will need to log in upon completing that process.
Step 4: Check with your academic department
Contact your department in order to receive enrollment directions, important dates and other information specific to your graduate program. You can also check the University calendar.
Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog
The Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog has useful information about life at SLU as a graduate student, including campus resources, academic policies and program curricula.
Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms
If you decide to attend SLU, you will need to submit your immunization records and health history. You will also need to submit a health plan enrollment/waiver form.
Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card
You’ll use your SLU ID card to access student services and campus buildings such as the library. Make sure to bring a photo ID, along with a copy of your class schedule.
Step 8: Finalize your financial aid
If you plan to take out student loans, make sure you’ve filled out your FAFSA for the current year. Contact student financial services with any questions. For questions about assistantships, contact your program.
PhD in Philosophy at Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University
United States of America, Saint Louis